21 Jul 2011

Former Fiji army colonel wants further New Zealand sanctions on regime

6:03 pm on 21 July 2011

The former Fiji army colonel, Ratu Tevita Mara, says he's told New Zealand foreign affairs officials there's a need for new sanctions against Fiji's interim regime.

Colonel Mara is in New Zealand for five days of meetings with Fiji pro-democracy groups, and has also met with senior foreign affairs officials.

Megan Whelan has more.

"Colonel Mara says officials asked him about the reality on the ground in Fiji which he says is growing worse by the day. He says New Zealand's policy towards Fiji remains unchanged but he would like to see different measures being employed. Colonel Mara says the government should take action against New Zealanders involved in the regime, like interim solicitor general Christopher Pryde. A spokesperson for the foreign minister, Murray McCully, declined to comment on the meeting. Colonel Mara will tomorrow meet with the Maori Party."