Australians in Fiji on non-essential business have been urged to leave.
With more shots fired yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra
stepped up its warning to travellers, saying Australians in Suva should consider
moving to other parts of the country or leaving altogether.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the shootout between soldiers and the
hostage takers he referred to as "Speight's militia" was profoundly disturbing
and did not bode well for a peaceful outcome.
The department said Australians should defer all holiday and normal business
travel to Fiji until further notice.
"Those currently in Fiji should maintain a very high level of personal security
awareness and monitor developments that might affect their safety. Australians
should stay well clear of demonstrations or large public gatherings," he said.
Although the action was restricted to the parliamentary precinct, the department
said there remained an increased possibility of civil disturbances, particularly
in
the downtown area.
"Those in the immediate vicinity should remain indoors or move to a safer
location," the department said.
Meanwhile the Federal and New South Wales Governments are continuing their
discussion on whether the Olympic torch route should be changed to cut out
Fiji.
The torch is due in Fiji next Saturday. NSW Olympics Minister Michael Knight
said that for logistical reasons the decision on whether Fiji should be bypassed
would have to be made by Wednesday.
He said SOCOG was concerned about the safety of its staff.
"The Federal Government is, of course, deeply involved in the broader political
implications of the situation in Fiji and I am in close contact with ... Alexander
Downer."
On Friday Mr Downer said the Olympic authorities needed to consider the
suitability of a symbol of harmony and peace passing through Fiji while guns
were being held at people's heads.
A state of emergency was in force throughout Fiji with a curfew in several
areas, including Suva and the surrounding region, from 8pm to 5am.
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