Fiji begins to feel the bite from Trade Bans

14 June 2000

Suva (Pacnews) --- Fiji has begun to feel the bite from trade bans imposed by Australia.

The Fiji Military Forces has reported that five container boats are returning to Fiji from Australia without any cargo.

The Chief Executive of Campbell Shipping, Ian Campbell in a letter to the interim Head of State, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the empty vessels are the first to be returning without containers.

"Clearly Fiji is now experiencing the repercussions of the ban. By the end of July, 1000 containers would have failed to reach Fiji from Australia. We are only talking imports here but exports are also being hit," Campbell wrote.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has prohibited entry of coup leader, George Speight and 85 others including military officers, opportunists and other criminals involved in the hostage taking. Foreign Affairs Minister, Phil Goff said the list includes Speight's legal and financial backers. "These people would be prevented from entering New Zealand under section 7 (1) (f) of the Immigration Act of 1987 which relates to those engaged in an act of terrorism outside New Zealand. "These smart sanctions will ensure that those responsible for the coup face the consequences of their actions," Goff said.... PNS (ENDS)

PACNEWS First Edition 14 June 2000, (c) PIBA 2000 Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association.

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