Fijian military steps up pressure on government

A military coup is beckoning in Fiji as the army moved in to surround Suva, ostensibly to keep the peace within the capital.

The army has disarmed the local police force and set up roadblocks, effectively taking control of the city.

Tensions in one of the world's finest diving hotspots have been rising in recent weeks as military commander Frank Bainimarama opposes Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's plans to grant clemency to those involved in a coup six years ago.

Mr Bainimarama told reporters that his troops had removed weapons from the hands of the local police "to ensure that police weapons are not used against the military".

However, he did say that the police and his men "will work together to ensure the security and safety of all the people of Fiji".

Last week, the EU condemned the prospect of a coup in a statement.

"The EU strongly believes that in a democracy, the military must be subordinate to the elected civilian leadership. The EU opposes any attempt to undermine the democratic process in Fiji," it read.

The Foreign Office is currently warning against "all but essential travel" to Fiji.