Fiji, August 11, 2000 – The new military-backed Government of Fiji has taken significant steps to restore order following the recent political crisis and associated civil unrest. However, sporadic incidents continue, and Americans are urged to maintain a high level of caution and security awareness. In particular, travel to the island of Vanua Levu, where the civil situation is the most volatile, should be avoided. On August 7, an armed group of rebel supporters ambushed a joint police/army patrol, killing a police officer and a soldier, and injuring three others. Following the July 26 arrest of George Speight, the leader of the group that took the former government hostage in May, two New Zealand pilots were briefly held hostage when their plane was seized at the Savusavu Airport on Vanua Levu. Hundreds of ethnic Indians were temporarily held hostage on the same island. Although all hostages have been freed, sporadic attacks on ethnic Indians continue. A military curfew remains in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in Suva, Nausori, Navua and surrounding areas. All roads are open. International flights at Nadi airport are operating normally, as are flights to other parts of Fiji. However, the possibility of disruption remains. Travelers are strongly urged to contact airlines for details and to verify flight schedules. The U.S. Embassy has resumed all normal consular operations, including services for American citizens. Americans in Fiji with emergencies or requiring updated security information may contact the U.S. Embassy by telephone at (679) 314-466. U.S. citizens in Fiji are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy if they have not already done so. U.S. citizens in Fiji should exercise a high level of caution, avoid large gatherings and potential demonstration sites and closely monitor local radio and television for new developments. Consult the U.S. Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Fiji on the Internet. Fiji is a South Pacific island nation consisting of over 800 islands and islets, of which approximately 100 are inhabited. Fiji is a democratic republic based on the parliamentary system with elections every five years. The capital is Suva. The Fiji Visitors Bureau web site has a wide range of information of interest to travelers.

For questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact:
newsletter@worldtravelcenter.com

Feature Articles
Where's the Bathroom
Please?
World Attitudes Toward
Organ Donations
Forget Me Not Tetanus
jetStream Travel Stories
Travel Insurance Primer

GlobalNotes
Asia
Africa
Europe
Oceania
Middle East
Central Asia

Fun and Games
Travel Health & Safety Quiz