By Rosemary Johnson
rosemary@newsroom.byu.edu
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that all missionaries serving in or near Suva, Fiji have been evacuated to the west side of the island as a precautionary measure.
Sixty-five missionaries have been relocated according to Michael Purdy spokesperson for the LDS Church.
A rebel force, leading an attempted coup, has held more than 30 hostages since May 19, including Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudry.
The rebels, composed of the ethnic Fijian majority, want Chaudry and other Fijians of Indian ancestry barred from leading the country.
Racial issues have been an ongoing problem for Fiji and surrounding islands, said Luhi Purcell a former LDS missionary in the Suva Fiji Mission.
President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara resigned as the head of the armed forces.
Commadore Frank Bainimarama, revoked the Fijian Constitution, declared martial law and took control of the country.
The State Department warned U.S. Citizens Monday against travel to Suva, and has authorized the departure of U.S. embassy personnel in non-emergency positions and dependents of embassy personnel, a consular notice said.
'We remain very concerned about the situation in Fiji.' said Philip Reeker spokesman for the U.S. Department of State in a news release.
The Church plans to continue to closely monitor the situation.
'All missionaries are safe and have been accounted for,' said Lloyd Owen of the LDS Church Missionary Department.