Queen Margaret 's message to the Commonwealth concerning Fiji - amazing pictures !!

"The UK Government condemns the military coup led by Commander Bainimarama in Fiji. This is a major set back to the process of democracy in Fiji and has damaged Fiji's economy, international reputation, as well as its relations with the international community. These actions are wholly unconstitutional. The military should not have become involved in the political process."

Well, that's encouraging news as the national database builds up with fingerprints, iris images, DNA profiles and medical histories (on hold whilst they get the kit to work) and Aegis and Erinys build up their private armies of mercenaries.

"I strongly urge Commander Bainimarama to return Fiji to democracy as quickly as possible."

I wonder what The Commander said in reply to this "urging" always assuming that what prevailed WAS democracy when the last election was merely a Coronation of the Prime Minister who had previously seized power with his cronies.

"As a result of this action, the UK is taking steps to suspend immediately bilateral military assistance to Fiji and is considering further measures with both EU and Commonwealth partners.

As this coup has been signalled for a long while and been evident for at least 4 weeks it suggests that the Rolls Royce minds at the FO have been distracted (as everyone else has) by chasing tales of Balonyium and counting the number of dead soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We are in close contact with the British community in Fiji and have contingency plans in place should the security situation deteriorate."
.....but far called, our navies have melted away and we are rather relying on our pals the Kiwis and the 'Roos on this one.

Lord Patel has this exclusive picture of the Foreign Secretary Her Majesty Queen Margaret, after her recent face transplant whilst holidaying in Lebanon. Evidently the teeth caused problems - otherwise quite a good job.