Pacific / Fiji

NZ spying will affect Suva's settling of regional ties, says academic

10:07 am on 11 March 2015

An academic specialising in Fiji's international relations, Richard Herr, says the revelations will affect Suva's regional relationships.

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB)'s spy base at Waihopai, near Blenheim. Photo: Supplied

Fiji has refused to retake its seat at the Pacific Islands Forum until there is a discussion on whether donor nations, such as Australia and New Zealand, can also be members.

Dr Herr says the spying revelations will have an impact on Suva's as yet unsettled regional links.

"The idea that New Zealand has contributed to the Five Eyes intelligence network without including any feedback back into the Pacific to Fiji or the other states concerned is certainly going to have some sort of repercussion in the way Fiji proceeds with its review of regional relationships this year."

The Director of the Centre for International and Regional Affairs at the University of Fiji, Richard Herr

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