By Michael Morrah
They are used to battling on the rugby field but until recently Tonga and Fiji have been close neighbours.
Auckland based Tongan broadcaster Setita Miller says Tongans traditionally saw Fijians as their brothers and sisters, but that close relationship has started to unravel.
“I think the relationship has already started to crack,” says Ms Miller.
“Various things have added to the cracks like the Minerva Reef arguments with Fiji saying ‘it's our territory’, and the Tongans saying ‘no it's our territory’.”
The Minerva Reef is an important economic resource, but now Tonga and Fiji are at loggerheads over a political issue.
This morning Fiji filed extradition papers for Fijian military leader Ratu Tevita Mara - who was picked up by the Tongan navy and faces a charge of sedition.
Auckland University law professor Bill Hodge says Mr Mara's lawyers will argue sedition is not a crime worthy of extradition.
“This is politics and he is being brought back because he's had the nerve to tell the truth,” says Hodge, “and why should you treat someone as a criminal because they are telling the truth.”
It is understood Mara is under the protection of King George Tupou because of his connections with the royal family.
And where the king goes, the people of Tonga follow.
“It’s a strong message given to Fiji and given to the Tongan people – ‘hey support this guy, keep this guy here’,” says Ms Miller.
Tonga is keen to show just how democratic they have become - the irony is that the once democratic Fiji is now lagging behind.
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