John took up the issue with the Foreign Secretary and has now sent me a response written by Jeremy Browne, Minister of State. It reveals that the Fiji High Commissioner has been called in and made aware of British concerns, something that hasn't apparently been reported elsewhere.
The relevant sections of the letter read:
"The British government is deeply concerned by reports of restrictions being placed upon Methodists in Fiji that impinge upon their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association. On 12 October I raised these concerns with the Fijian High Commissioner to the UK, expressing my dismay at these developments and noting that this latest action by the authorities in Fiji can only serve to increase their isolation from the international community.
"Our High Commission in Suva, Fiji, is maintaining close contact with the Methodist Church and will continue to lobby the interim government in Fiji to remove the restrictions.
"The British government is working closely with international partners, such as Australia, New Zealand, the EU and the US, to promote the restoration of democracy and human rights, including freedom of religion, to Fiji.
