In November 2006 the Australian Blackhawk helicopter crash off Kadavu (Fiji) drew attention to the fact that our SAS were on the Kanimbla in Fiji waters prior to the 2006 coup. A new report - by the Fiji Human Rights Commission which is an active supporter of the current Fiji interim administration - argues that Australia's intervention was illegal. It implies that Australia's actions (sending warships, and providing military support for the Fiji police, headed at the time by an Australian Federal Police officer) were provocative.
What was the effect of Australia's intervention: did it undermine attempts to negotiate a peaceful settlement between Fiji's military forces and the government?