Australia prepares to evacuate Aussies from Fiji
It is reported that Australian troops have had their leave cancelled, with Australia preparing a military operation to evacuate 7000 Australians from Fiji, as three Australian warships carrying more than 100 soldiers, including SAS troops stand by close to Fiji.
In addition, it is reported that a Sydney-based commando task group has been placed on stand-by to fly in to Fiji if the anticipated coup is launched and Australians put at risk.
The wives and children of Australian Federal Police Liaison Officers left Fiji yesterday and other Australians are expected to follow today.
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said he did not believe the international community would be able to stop Fiji’s Australian-trained military chief, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, from conducting a coup, adding “There is no doubt that he is somewhat committed to this course of action”
Mr Downer added, “I think a coup could happen within the next two weeks. I think it will happen perhaps a bit later than the end of this week, but I think a coup is very likely to occur.”
Pacific island Foreign Ministers will meet in Sydney on Friday in a bid to head off military action, but Travel Advisories in New Zealand and Australian have been upgraded warning travellers not to travel to Fiji.
Commodore Bainimarama, who is due back in Suva today, has called up more than 1000 reservists to “clean up” the government, warning Australia, New Zealand and other nations not to interfere, but as reported by TravelMole today, unconfirmed but well informed information received by The Mole says that Commodore Bainimarama may be arrested in New Zealand today on charges of sedition and that this could be the spark for the coup taking place in Fiji today in addition to the reason that New Zealanders have been targeted for the threat against them.
Commodore Bainimarama said yesterday, “My intention of removing this government is clear”.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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