WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said Wednesday it "deplores" Fiji's decision to expel diplomats from New Zealand and Australia, saying the moves were "unjust."

"The United States deplores the decision by Fiji's de facto government to expel New Zealand's acting head of mission as well as Australia's high commissioner," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.

"This latter act is unprecedented in that Australia now holds the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum," he said.

On Wednesday Australia and New Zealand announced tit-for-tat expulsions of Fiji's top envoys, a day after the Pacific island state ordered their own envoys out, claiming interference in its judicial affairs.

It is the third time Fiji has thrown out a New Zealand envoy since its latest coup in 2006, but the first expulsion of a diplomat from Australia, current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.

"These actions have undermined any opportunity for progress toward re-engagement and constructive dialogue with its neighbors," Kelly said.

"The United States calls for the restoration of Fiji's independent judiciary and the rights to free speech and assembly that are essential to the country's return to democracy.

"We consider it to be an unjust act to expel them out of the country," Kelly added.