*EPF204 05/30/00
Text: State Department Travel Warning on Fiji
(Political instability in the Capital of Suva) (480)

The State Department issued a travel warning on May 29 cautioning U.S. citizens against travel to Suva, the capital of Fiji.

A political crisis has triggered the military there to declare martial law.

"U.S. citizens who are currently in the Suva area should consider relocating to areas outside of Suva, or outside of Fiji altogether," the warning said.

Following is the text:

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Fiji - Travel Warning
May 29, 2000

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Suva, the capital of Fiji, due to the ongoing uncertainty and instability arising from the worsening political crisis. The military declared martial law on Monday, May 29, and imposed a curfew on the main island of Fiji. The Department of State has authorized the departure of Embassy personnel in non-emergency positions and the dependents of Embassy personnel. U.S. citizens who are currently in the Suva area should consider relocating to areas outside of Suva, or outside of Fiji altogether.

On May 19, armed gunmen seized control of Fiji's parliament and took the Prime Minister and other parliamentarians hostage. This was followed by significant unrest in Suva and its environs, including rioting, looting and arson. On Sunday evening, May 28, a large mob brandishing guns and knives moved through the city of Suva. Shots were heard around different parts of the city and a police officer was fatally wounded. The situation remains highly volatile and other similar disturbances could quickly break out without notice.

In addition, international flights and passenger connections may be disrupted by labor union action in Fiji and elsewhere. International flights out of Nadi Airport have been slightly disrupted, but service has not been discontinued. International service to and from Nausori Airport near Suva is being diverted to Nadi or cancelled. Travelers are strongly advised to contact airlines for specific details.

U.S. Citizens in Suva are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy if they have not already done so. U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Suva should exercise a high level of caution, avoid demonstrations or public meetings, maintain adequate stocks of food and water, and monitor closely the local radio for breaking developments.

The U.S. Embassy has temporarily curtailed public services during normal operating hours. However, American citizens in Fiji with emergencies or requiring updated security information may contact the Embassy at telephone (679) 314-466.

For further general information on travel to Fiji, consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet for Fiji, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

This replaces the Fiji Public Announcement of May 22, 2000 to provide updated information on the situation in Suva.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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