Concerns are being raised over the peace deal
By diplomatic correspondent Barnaby Mason
Australia, New Zealand and the UK have all welcomed
the release of the hostages in Fiji, but have continued
to express deep concern at the course of events.
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard,
spoke of a racially-based approach to government
and said Australia was considering further responses.
Australia and New Zealand had earlier set out a range
of diplomatic and other sanctions, but said they
would not impose them while the hostages were being held.
The appointment of a supporter of George Speight as
Fiji's new President will only increase the concern of its
main Pacific neighbours.
Speaking before that move was announced, Mr Howard
said he was "profoundly disturbed" at the abrogation
of the Fijian constitution and the racially-based approach
apparently being taken to future constitutional arrangements.
The actions of the rebels had been criminal, he said,
denying a democratically elected government its right
to govern in the interests of the people.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff welcomed the
freeing of the hostages, but said the question now was
what the new administration would mean for democracy
and equal rights for all Fijians, regardless of their race.
In a BBC interview, Mr Goff said Fiji was sliding towards
anarchy as other groups absorbed the message that "if
you don't like a government, albeit a democratically
elected government, then you will achieve your objective
by the use of violence and the use of threats".
Mr Goff said New Zealand could implement sanctions
against Fiji, including the severing of ministerial
contact and the ending of military co-operation.
Similar potential action has been laid out by Australia,
but both countries have ruled out an outright economic embargo.
The UK Government said it was urgently consulting its
Commonwealth and European Union partners on the next steps to take.
A Foreign Office statement welcomed the "long
overdue" release of all the hostages.
However, it said Britain was dismayed that Mr Speight
and his supporters had been given an amnesty and a
role in forming the new government, when they should
be brought to justice for their criminal actions.
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