OCEANIA
Fiji, November 2, 2000 – On November 2, the U.S. Embassy in Suva released the following warden message: "U.S. citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Suva, the capital of Fiji, and its environs. On November 2, 2000, there was automatic weapons fire at the Queen Elizabeth Military Barracks in Suva. Press reports indicate that members of the Fijian military were engaged in a firefight with rebel elements. At least 8 people were killed, and an estimated 20 armed rebels escaped. The military has imposed a 24-hour curfew for the Central Division, including Suva, Nausori and Lami Harbor until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4." The U.S. Department of State recommends that even after the curfew is lifted U.S. citizens in Fiji, particularly those in the Suva area, remain indoors and closely monitor radio and television for further news. The November 2 firefight is the latest in a series of security incidents in Suva. On September 15, 2000 an improvised explosive device was found and disarmed at a popular hotel frequented by foreign travelers in Suva. This location is in the general vicinity of the complex where the trial of George Speight and other participants in the May 19 seizure of Parliament is being held. Three improvised explosive devices exploded in Suva in August 1999. U.S. citizens traveling to Fiji should exercise caution, be alert to suspicious or unclaimed packages, keep a low profile and avoid large crowds and potential demonstration sites. Americans are urged to maintain a high level of caution and security awareness. Travel to rural areas of the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu should be avoided, particularly at night. 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 and closely monitor local radio and television for new developments. U.S. citizens in Fiji with emergencies or requiring updated security information may contact the Embassy by telephone at (679) 314-466. For general information on travel to Fiji consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet for Fiji.
Solomon Islands, November 3, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State urges American citizens to defer travel to the Solomon Islands due to continued ethnic violence between rival militant groups and a general breakdown in law and order in the capital, Honiara. Americans resident in the Solomon Islands, particularly in Honiara, should consider leaving the country. The Solomon Islands' government stated in May that it could not guarantee the safety of Honiara, which is located on the main island of Guadalcanal. Following an attempted coup on June 5, the Peace Corps withdrew its employees and volunteers from the Solomon Islands, and the governments of Australia and New Zealand evacuated persons wishing to depart, both their citizens and other foreign nationals. Although there is no indication that American citizens have been targeted, armed confrontations between the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) and the Guadalcanalese Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM), who have opposed each other for the past two years, have occurred. Despite a recently signed peace agreement, the possibility of continued violence between the MEF and the IFM remains high. There is no effective police force in Honiara, which has contributed to a serious breakdown in law and order. Young men claiming to be members of the MEF have looted houses, commandeered vehicles and extorted money from individuals and businesses, forcing many of them to close. Many government departments in Honiara have closed, and public services may not be available. Telecommunications were temporarily interrupted in June—further interruptions are a strong possibility should the conflict continue. Americans who choose to remain in the area should exercise extreme caution and are urged to register with the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara. At present, unrest on Guadalcanal has not spread to other provinces in the Solomon Islands. There is no U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands. However, American citizens in the Solomon Islands with emergencies or requiring updated security information may contact the U. S. Consular Agent, c/o BJS Agencies on Mendana Avenue in Honiara, telephone (677) 27429, fax (677) 23426, e-mail keithieusa@solomon.com.sb. Alternatively, contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby at telephone (675) 321-1455, fax (675) 321-1593 or e-mail consularportmoresby@state.gov. For further general information on travel to the Solomon Islands, please consult the State Department's latest Consular Information Sheet for the Solomon Islands.
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