Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Different diplomatic approach is needed for Fiji says lobby group

Posted at 23:48 on 04 November, 2009 UTC

The New Zealand-based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji says the latest row between the countries shows a different diplomatic approach is needed.

New Zealand and Fiji have now expelled each others top diplomats as relations between the two continue to sour.

Richard Pamatatau reports.

“Nick Naidu from the Coalition says while Fiji has made mistakes he would like to see both New Zealand and Australia change their approach from sanctions and isolation. The president of the Fiji Club of New Zealand Alton Shameem says the government must adopt a foreign policy approach like that of the United States President Barack Obama and start engaging. The Foreign Minister Murray McCully admits New Zealand’s expulsion of Fiji’s officials was tit for tat and the High Commission in Fiji will remain closed while the government asseses its capability to carry out its main functions.”