New Zealand firm on travel sanctions on Fijian military associated players - Rugby update
New Zealand has reiterated its stand that it would not ease travel sanctions on Fijian rugby players who have ties with the military government of their country.
Fiji was cleared by International Rugby Board (IRB) to participate in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup after it held elections to choose governing body of the board. New Zealand had put travel sanctions on military or people associated with the military to
their country.
New Zealand took these steps after the military leadership of Fiji staged a coup over the political setup in their state in 2006. New Zealand government conditioned the travel permission to Fijian military leadership with the revival of democracy in Fiji.
The Foreign Minister Murray McCully told the media on Friday morning that they will not withdraw from their decision.
Murray McCully said, "I'm mystified as to why they think we need to spell out a clearer message -- banned means banned. If you're part of the military you're not coming; if you're part of the government, if you're a regime appointee, you don't get to come."
He further stated that he was not aware how many players of Fiji would miss their chance to play the Rugby World Cup because of the decision. However New Zealand will not show any flexibility towards the issue. Fiji rugby team is scheduled to play a charity
match against New Zealand in July, for the earthquake affected people of Christchurch and restrictions will also apply on that fixture.
Fiji Rugby Union, responding to the announcement said that it would ask IRB to overlook New Zealand’s decision and allow them to participate in the World Cup with a full-fledge team.
Tikoitoga, the spokesman of Fiji Rugby Union said, "NZ’s policy has stopped movement of our players in Fiji. It is unfortunate that NZ is host of the (World Cup) event which has thus prevented Fiji from sending its strongest and best team possible."
Earlier Fiji has been provisionally permitted to participate in the upcoming Rugby World Cup by International Rugby Union. Fiji was feared to miss the largest event of the year as IRB had reservations regarding its selected board members.
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