Aussie military role in Fiji left open

The Australian ^ | 2nd November 2006 | Sandra O'Malley

[naturalman1975]

THE Australian Government has despatched a second warship to stand by near Fiji in case a mass evacuation is necessary following fears of a coup.

Announcing the deployment of amphibious support ship, HMAS Kanimbla, from Townsville, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson tonight would not rule out military assistance from Australia if the Fijian Government asks for help.

Australia sent the frigate, HMAS Newcastle, to waters near Fiji yesterday.

The Government also revised its travel advisory to Fiji tonight, warning Australians to exercise "a high degree of caution" ... because of increased tensions between the Fiji government and military, and the possibility of military action against the Government.

Australia is discussing with its Pacific neighbours measures they might take to "discourage" a military coup in Fiji.

Prime Minister John Howard and his New Zealand counterpart, Helen Clark, phoned Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase today offering their support for his Government.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer warned today that the chances of a violent military takeover in Fiji were high.

"We think there is a very real chance there will be a coup in Fiji," Mr Downer said to Parliament.

There are growing fears of Fiji's fourth coup in 20 years, as military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama tries to force the resignation of the Qarase Government.

There are about 7,000 Australians living or holidaying in Fiji.

Dr Nelson said Kanimbla would carry "a number of soldiers and military equipment, including helicopters, that may be required in the unlikely event we need to evacuate Australians".

"Both of those ships will go to the south-west Pacific. They will not enter Fijian territorial waters, of course," he said.

He did not rule out further assistance, if asked by the Qarase Government.