New Zealand sanctions against Fiji

New Zealand says it has begun planning tough sanctions against Fiji, in response to the military government's expulsion of its top diplomat.
Prime Minister Helen Clark described the expulsion of High Commissioner Michael Green as a "provocative act".

She said that new measures, which could be imposed as early as next week, would send a message to Fiji that it needed to change its behaviour.

Fiji's leadership accused Mr Green of interfering in its domestic affairs.

The military authorities, led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, left the door open for New Zealand to send a replacement, but this was rejected by Wellington.

Helen Clark accused Cmdr Bainimarama of "lashing out" by expelling Michael Green, adding that "there is no rhyme or reason to it".

She described the expulsion as a "serious and significant act", which needed a similar response.

Ms Clark did not give details of what the new sanctions might be, but said they would be decided by the Cabinet next week.

"What we will be looking at is what is the most effective way of driving home to Fiji that it needs to mend its behaviour and take steps back to constitutional government," Ms Clark said.

from the BBC