Fiji has denounced a decision by the New Zealand Government to allow a former military officer entry to the country.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tevita Mara fled to Tonga in May after being charged with sedition in Fiji.
He is in Australia and plans to visit New Zealand soon. Colonel Mara will be granted an exemption for a two-day visit.
Fiji says the move is disappointing, but not unexpected.
The Coalition for Democracy in Fiji, based in Auckland, opposes the visit, saying Colonel Mara is responsible for human rights abuses and nothing positive will come of the visit.
