Fed: Intervention in Fiji to be considered: Vaile

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2006
Fed: Intervention in Fiji to be considered: Vaile

CANBERRA, Dec 1 AAP - Acting Prime Minister Mark Vaile says Australia would if requested
consider intervention in Fiji, where the military is threatening to overthrow the government.

Fiji's defence force chief, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has threatened to stage a
coup if the government does not meet a series of demands by noon (11am AEDT) today.

Mr Vaile said Australian forces were on standby to help evacuate any Australians in
the event of a coup.

Asked if Australia would consider intervention if requested by Fiji, he told Sky TV:"It's
a very difficult issue and one that we would have to consider very seriously ... our first
concern is that of Australian nationals in Fiji."

Australian warships are sailing near Fiji ready to act in the event of a coup but the
Fiji military has warned against foreign intervention.

AAP pv/sp

KEYWORD: FIJI AUST VAILE

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