Military chief claims control in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji – Fiji’s military commander said today that he had seized control of the country, dismissed the elected prime minister and appointed an interim replacement.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama told a news conference that he was using special powers under the constitution to assume the powers of the president and replace Premier Laisenia Qarase.

He said he would soon surrender the powers back to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who he expected would appoint a full interim government. Elections to restore democracy would follow, he said.

The announcement came after armed troops surrounded Qarase’s house, set up checkpoints in the capital, Suva, and seized official vehicles from government ministers.

Qarase said he was under effective house arrest, and that he was powerless to stop the military takeover.

Bainimarama had been threatening to “clean up” Qarase’s government for weeks, demanding that Qarase resign or be ousted and the government kill legislation that the military chief opposed. Qarase had offered to suspend the contentious bills, but said he could not agree to demands that went outside the law.

The commander’s threats to take over the government have been internationally condemned.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced in Parliament that defense ties with Fiji were being severed and officers and their families from that country would be banned. Bainimarama is believed to have children studying in New Zealand.

“This is an outrage what is happening in Fiji today,” she told reporters in Wellington, the capital.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia would impose similar conditions if it was confirmed Qarase had been removed.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Qarase had asked Canberra to send troops to try to prevent the coup, but that he had rejected the request.

Bainimarama has warned any foreign intervention would be fiercely opposed by the Fiji military.