The United States deplores the decision by Fiji's interim government to expel Australia’s Acting Head of Mission. Fiji’s pattern of expelling diplomats runs contrary to accepted diplomatic practice. This act is unwarranted and harmful to potential dialogue in the Pacific region regarding Fiji’s eventual return to democracy. This expulsion, coming just ahead of next month’s Pacific Island Forum meeting chaired by Vanuatu, undermines an opportunity for progress toward reengagement and constructive discussion with Fiji’s neighbors.
# # #
