NZ rejects claims of role in Fiji plot

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The Government has rejected claims that New Zealand diplomats and soldiers were linked to a plot to assassinate Fiji coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama.

Eight men were convicted earlier this week of conspiring to murder Commodore Bainimarama, who overthrew the democratic government in 2006.

Low-ranking soldiers in Fiji Military Intelligence claimed New Zealand was involved in the plot. The allegations were repeated by High Court judge Paul Madigan in his summing up.

A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said yesterday: "We utterly reject the suggestions New Zealand was involved."

New Zealand's involvement was limited to providing standard consular assistance to New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan, who was arrested with the eight.

Fiji-born Mr Khan, who was beaten up when he was arrested, won a permanent stay of proceedings against him and now lives in Auckland.

- © Fairfax NZ News