Australia Wednesday upgraded its travel advisory for Fiji, urging Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in the country in case of possible military action against the government.

 

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Wednesday reissued its travel advisory for Fiji, lifting the overall level to "exercise a high degree of caution," which is in the middle of the five levels.

 

"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Fiji due to increased tensions between the Fiji Government and the Fiji Military Forces and the possibility of military action against the Government. The security situation could deteriorate without warning," DFAT said in the advisory.

 

"You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies, public gatherings and concentrations of military personnel. Such events could become catalysts for civil disorder," it said.

 

It also urged Australians to pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

 

The Australian government's move came amid rising tensions between the Fijian government and the military, which started three weeks ago after Frank Bainimarama, the country's military commander, threatened to force the government's resignation unless it dropped two pieces of legislation, including an amnesty for some of the plotters of the 2000 coup.

 

Two Australian warships were put on standby Tuesday night to sail to Fiji to assist with any evacuation of Australians in the event of a coup after Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase sought the dismissal of Bainimarama, who is visiting troops in the Middle East.

 

Meanwhile, Qarase said Wednesday that he will not resign in the face of military threats to oust him.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2006)