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Frank Bainimarama - Source: ONE News -
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Fiji's military dictator has spoken out about the eviction of New Zealand's High Commissioner a fortnight ago.
It appears that Frank Bainimarama has a clear message for the New Zealand government - butt out.
"We've got to stop this. You've got to stop this bullying. If you bully people there will be some retaliation," says Bainimarama.
The self-proclaimed Fijian Prime Minister is trying to explain why he booted out the New Zealand High Commissioner Todd Cleaver two weeks ago.
This is on the back of a spat about one his judges seeking medical assistance in New Zealand.
However, at the heart of all this are travel bans imposed by the New Zealand government and Bainimarama indignation that he cannot, as he once did, visit New Zealand for the rugby, visit close family and get treatment for an ear condition he once received at a Wellington hospital.
Prime Minister John Key refuses to back down on the travel bans.
In retaliation, Bainimarama wants to send a message to New Zealand.
"We're trying to send New Zealand a message. New Zealand has been telling us that they want to destroy our economy, destroy our judiciary and we want to tell New Zealand stop there," the Commodore says.
New Zealand's High Commission in Suva is now unattended as the country faces declining economic growth, inflation and fewer tourists numbers.
"Well if there's going to be dwindling numbers because of that - so be it," Bainimarama shrugs off.
Meanwhile, Bainimarama, after three years of military dictatorship, says he is committed to a democratic election in 2014.
You can see more of Janet McIntyre's interview with Frank Bainimarama on Sunday at 7:30pm on TV ONE
