21 JULY 2000 SUVA (Pacnews) --- A mass exodus of Fiji citizens has begun with those holding Australia and New Zealand residency status leaving in large numbers. These are people who hold Fiji passports but also have a permanent residency status elsewhere and who are able to leave at short notice. Actual numbers are not known yet but almost every major private sector organisation as well as education institution is feeling the effects of the May 19 coup carried out by self-styled leader, George Speight.
Fiji reportedly lost thousands of technical, professional and trade people and investors after the coup of 1987 with some returning when the economy returned to normal. Officially 5,118 left during 1987, according to Fiji's Bureau of Statistics and does not include those who did not return while on educational, recreational or those who were away for business purposes.
Already figures from Immigration authorities reveal an increase in the number of people who left Fiji shores in May. The total was 519 people and estimates for June indicate a further increase. There has also been an increase in demand for Fiji passports, according to Immigration Director, Navendra Prasad.
Foreign embassies and diplomatic missions have been flooded with enquiries for emigration purposes. A spokesman for the Australian High Commission in Suva told PACNEWS that although the Commission was currently not processing visas with the exception of emergency cases, migration enquiries had increased six fold a month after the coup.
An estimated 1,000 enquiries had been recorded at the Australian office at the end of June. Applicants have already bought up 600 migration test packs, the spokesperson said. The New Zealand High Commission's Manager for Immigration, Terry Greig told PACNEWS that interest and enquiries for migration to New Zealand had increased. " The volume of interest has increased," she said. Like the Australian office, New Zealanders have closed their office to public access.
The American Embassy spokesperson, Nirmal Singh said that daily enquiries with the U.S office had increased since the coup. "It has increased quite significantly," Singh told PACNEW.
... PNS (ENDS)
21 JULY 2000 WELLINTGTON (Pacnews) ----The New Zealand government has said it might seize assets belonging to Fiji's coup leaders if the situation in the country worsens. A spokesman for Foreign Minister Phil Goff said while the idea was low on a list of priorities, it was being looked at.
He said such a move would require special legislation and would take time to implement. Wellington is also said to be looking at ways of helping coup victims seek legal remedy in New Zealand.
Yesterday, the Foreign Minister summoned Fiji's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Isimeli Bainimara to his office to convey his deep concern over events in Fiji. Sanctions announced by New Zealand earlier in the week include sending home 39 Fijian military personnel and extending a sporting ban until the end of the year.
Also the European Union's (EU) Executive Commission is to discuss relations with Fiji next week amid growing EU concern at the political situation in Fiji. Officials say the Commission will ask for consultations on Fiji's continuing status as a member of the trade and aid treaty signed by the EU and 77 developing countries in Benin last month.
The Benin Accord stressed that members must respect human rights, the rule
of law and democratic values or face possible punitive action, including sanctions...PNS
(ENDS)
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