THE State has ordered envoys from Australia and New Zealand, its two biggest neighbours, to return home within 24 hours.
At the same time the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been asked to recall Fiji's heads of mission in those countries.
This was announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at a press conference last night.
"I have told the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue communications to the Australian and New Zealand governments that their respective heads of missions are to be recalled within 24 hours," Mr Bainimarama said.
He said he was baffled by actions taken by the Australia and New Zealand governments because they were our biggest trading partners providing 60 per cent of Fiji's tourists.
Mr Bainimarama said he visited Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau yesterday to discuss the impact of the Australian and New Zealand governments position in relation to members of the judiciary.
He said the decision to recall the heads of mission from the two countries was made in consultation with Ratu Epeli.
He said he met Chief Justice Anthony Gates earlier in the day, where the chief justice reiterated his position that the interference by the two governments in the judiciary undermines the judiciary.
"The Chief Justice told me that this policy of the Australian and New Zealand governments stops him from nominating credible, well qualified individuals to serve on the Bench.
Mr Bainimarama said the Sri Lankan lawyers who had agreed to come to Fiji were contributing to the enforcement of the rule of law and they had shown fortitude and a commitment to the law.
He said the travel sanctions against him and members of the Government was understandable but there was no need to punish those who had taken up judicial posts and those holding posts in statutory organisations.
"It is my Government's duty to ensure that no foreign government should interfere with such judicial independence and integrity. We must always protect and be proud our sovereignty," he said.
