SUVA (Pacnews) — Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his counterpart New Zealand Helen Clark are both banned from entering Fiji.
Their names have been included on a watch-list maintained by the Fiji Immigration Department.
There is official confirmation that more than one hundred names are on the list — most of them leading trade unionists, civil society activists, politicians and even businessmen.
Some of these names have been on the watch list before the Dec. 5 military takeover for various reasons, but the military regime has also requested extra names be put on the list.
The list was not confined to stopping people from leaving; it also extends to those also coming in.
The department said with events still unfolding in Fiji, it’s likely the watchlist could grow.
In related news, Fiji’s deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has flagged a possible leadership comeback.
Qarase recently met with the Forum Eminent Persons Group who wrapped up its visit in Fiji.
Qarase has asked the group to consider the situation in Fiji carefully saying without intervention, it could face a considerable period of instability.
And the former prime minister said at 67 years of age, he still has some unfinished business in the country.
“If the opportunity comes in the next general elections, and if they are held early, I could consider standing for elections because I do feel honestly that I have unfinished jobs to complete,” said Qarase.
“That would be the driving force for me, as far as I would be concerned.”