Fiji's military commander announced on Tuesday he had taken control of the country from the elected government, confirming the South Pacific nation's fourth coup in less than two decades.
Fiji's military commander Frank Bainimarama told a press conference held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, that he had invoked special powers under the constitution to assume some powers of the president, and was using them to dismiss Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase from office and appoint an interim replacement.
 "As of 6 o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country. All the ministers from the last government have been given until tomorrow to vacate the government's quarters and return all government property in their possession."
New Zealand has become the first country to impose sanctions on Fiji.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Tuesday in the Parliament that New Zealand has taken a number of measures against Fiji in light of the country's political crisis.
Clark also said that if the coup was carried through, the country would be suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations.
"The Commonwealth will be extremely concerned. Fiji has been suspended in the past. If this continues to the outright removal of the government which is clearly where it's heading, then Fiji will again come onto the suspension list."
Australia's Prime Minister also condemned the coup in Fiji on Tuesday, though he added that Australia would not be considering military intervention.
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Director: Liu Chi