Britain has announced a string of new measures against Fiji, as the
country enters the ninth week of its political crisis.
Foreign Office Minister John Battle says Britain wants a commitment
from the Fijian authorities to agree to a timetable for a return to
democratic government based on a fair constitution.
Fiji's military-backed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, says he is
going ahead with his 32 member government, despite threats by rebel
leader George Speight of further civil unrest if his supporters are
excluded from key Cabinet positions.
Mr Battle says Britain is also pressing the European Union to impose
travel restrictions on Mr Speight and his associates.
They are also cancelling all Foreign Office-funded assistance to Fiji's
Government.
He says Royal Navy visits and joint military exercises have been
cancelled and all other British defence cooperation is being reviewed.
© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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