Australia, New Zealand expel Fiji diplomats

Australia and New Zealand have asked top Fijian diplomats to leave, after their envoys were expelled from Fiji.

Fiji coup leader and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Tuesday told the envoys of New Zealand and Australia to leave within 24 hours.

He said Australia and New Zealand had interfered with Fiji's judiciary and the travel of new judges.

New Zealand was also accused of victimizing a Fijian judge who was seeking medical treatment in New Zealand for a child. Bainimarama led the country's armed forces in a coup against Fiji's elected government in a bloodless overthrow in 2006.

Australia and New Zealand have banned visits by Fijian government and military officials and their families ever since.