Fears for NZers in Fiji after diplomat's expulsion

SYDNEY - The Government is reviewing the safety of New Zealanders in Fiji following the expulsion of High Commissioner Michael Green from Suva in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Helen Clark, who also foreshadowed retaliation as Fiji severed all diplomatic relations with the recall of its own envoy from Wellington, said she believed New Zealanders could be in danger.
"I don't think a country which has a coup and the people who led the coup are in control is a safe country to be in," she said.
"When a country deliberately inflames relations like this you don't know what the next step will be."
The present travel warning of "some risk" and urging caution will now be reviewed, and Helen Clark said that if necessary the Government would consider evacuating New Zealanders.
The decision by coup leader and Prime Minister Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama to expel Mr Green followed several tense days in which Wellington tried to confirm rumours that the action was imminent, and to determine the cause.
So far no reason has been given by Commander Bainimarama, although it is understood he had been increasingly angered at the messages delivered to him by Mr Green, and may have felt some personal pique.
Helen Clark said that Fiji "simply didn't like what he was saying on behalf of the New Zealand Government".
"I understand there may be some suggestion that the Commander felt slighted at a rugby game," she said.
Mr Green's expulsion has dramatically increased the diplomatic stakes in the region, cutting off relations with New Zealand and almost certainly prompting a new round of sanctions and drawing condemnation from such other major players as Australia and Britain.
Although there was no indication yesterday that similar action would be taken against the Australian and British high commissioners, Fiji has recalled its envoys from both countries and has said it will not replace them until democracy had been restored.
"The way they're behaving now, that could be some time away," Helen Clark said.
The expulsion has infuriated Wellington, and will be discussed at today's meeting between Helen Clark and Australian counterpart John Howard in Sydney, following earlier diplomatic briefings of the unfolding crisis.