SUVA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia and New Zealand heads of mission in Fiji were given 24 hours to leave the Pacific island country.

    Fijian Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama called a press conference in Suva on Tuesday evening to announce his intention to expel the two diplomats and recall their counterparts from Canberra and Wellington, the Pacnews reported.

    "It is my government's duty to ensure that no foreign government should interfere with such judicial independence and integrity. We must always protect and be proud of our sovereignty," he said.

    "I wish to declare that my government fully supports the Chief Justice. We will always ensure that his independence and that of his judges remains unassailable.

    "It is for these reasons that I have told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue communications to the Australian and New Zealand governments that their respective heads of missions are to be recalled within 24 hours.

    "I have also informed them that our High Commissioner in Australia is to be recalled, with immediate effect."

    This strong diplomatic reaction stemmed from what Fiji said is Australia and New Zealand's interference with individuals appointed to the country's judiciary, the Pacnews said.

    This week, the Chief Justice, Justice Tony Gates criticized Australia and New Zealand for the refusal of travel visas for Sri Lankan judges appointed to the bench and the treatment of a Fijian magistrate, Anjala Wati who was seeking medical help in New Zealand for her daughter.

    In December last year, Fijian authorities expelled New Zealand deputy head of mission, Caroline McDonald for acting inappropriately and not engaging with the Fijian administration. It was over the refusal of travel visa for the son of a senior government official.

    New Zealand high commissioner, Michael Green was declared persona non grata in June 2007 for interfering with Fiji's domestic affairs.