Two New Zealanders, employed as pilots by Air Fiji, have been taken
hostage in the deteriorating situation in Fiji.
The two men were taken from a hotel in SavuSavu on Vanua Levu
island and are being held at the village of Nabalebale.
It was earlier reported they were being held on board an aircraft.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Jocelyn Prasad says the
pair were abducted by two men, one of them armed, from the
SavuSavu Hot Springs Hotel.
She describes the abductors as supporters of George Speight.
The situation in Fiji is quickly deteriorating after Speight's arrest this
morning.
There are reports that up to 50 gunmen are roaming the city of
Labasa, which like SavuSavu is on the second largest island, Vanua
Levu.
Earlier today one person was killed and dozens injured when the
military stormed at school at Kalabu.
Jocelyn Prasad says the Fiji military is updating the New Zealand High
Commission in Suva with details about any possible negotiations to
secure the two New Zealanders' release
Ms Prasad says the advice to New Zealanders in Fiji could soon be
updated, and may contain a stronger warning about the dangers in
Fiji.
- IRN
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