In a brewing war of words with Fiji's leader, Tonga's Prime Minister indicated today that Tonga was not offering judicial immunity to Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, stating that "the King's offer of hospitality to his kinsman" should not be used by Fiji's Commodore for political gain.

The statement posted on the Tonga Government Portal website, did not mention the Commodore's name but was understood to be a response to a statement made by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama this morning.

"I wish to add my support to the sentiments of friendship and general good wishes contained in the Commodore's statement but wish to make certain points clear," Lord Tu'ivakano stated.

"Fiji's domestic affairs are her own and His Majesty's Government has no interest in bringing undue influence."

He stated that there are proper procedures and obligations governing applications for Extradition Orders and that no obstacle would be placed before the Fijian Government's Representatives in Tonga's courts.

But in stressing the independence of Tonga's judiciary the Tongan Prime Minister accused Fiji's leaders of "an offensive breach of protocol".

"The dignity of Tongan Justice is preserved through Judicial Restraint therefore the discredited indulgence of Judicial Activism which is prevalent in the Courts of some Dominions and Republics is an affront to our Constitution," Lord Tu'ivakano stated.

"It is an offensive breach of protocol purposely to infer, for political gain, His Majesty's offer of hospitality to his kinsman Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba as an offer of immunity."