The excerpt of PACNEWS article:
Fiji passport holders scrutinized at Nuku’alofa airport
By Online Editor
5:54 pm GMT+12, 17/05/2011, Tonga
As tension between Fiji and Tonga begins to emerge after a senior Fijian military officer fled to Tonga, Fiji passport holders arriving into the island kingdom now undergo thorough check at Fu’amotu International Airport.
PACNEWS Journalist Pita Ligaiula
"Yes I can confirm that our passport was checked by government officials in one room"[...]"Only Fiji passport holders were singled out and it’s an unusual situation never seen before"
Tongan authorities have beefed up security checks after Fiji’s Prime Minister and Military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced that former Third Infantry Regiment (3FIR) Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has been declared fugitive and is hiding in Tonga.
On Monday, all Fiji nationals arriving on the Pacific Sun flight FJ271 were scrutinised for their purpose of travel and were asked to supporting documents for their stay in Tonga.
“Yes I can confirm that our passport was checked by government officials in one room, after it was stamped by immigration officials upon arrival,” said PACNEWS Journalist Pita Ligaiula speaking from Nuku’alofa. “Our travel information card was photocopied and officials questioned us on the nature of our visits to the island kingdom. Only Fiji passport holders were singled out and it’s an unusual situation never seen before", he said.
No comments could be obtained from the Tongan government on the latest security measures on Fiji passport holders. The situation in the capital Nukualofa is normal as Commodore Bainimarama appeals to the Tongan Royal family to return the former military man to Fiji to answer charges of sedition.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
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