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| Fiji army plans show of strength | Fiji army plans show of strength |
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| Fiji's military has said it will conduct night-time exercises to secure strategic areas of the capital, Suva, citing fears of "foreign intervention". | |
| The announcement came amid warnings by Australia and other regional powers of an imminent coup in the Pacific nation. | The announcement came amid warnings by Australia and other regional powers of an imminent coup in the Pacific nation. |
| Earlier, talks in New Zealand between the prime minister and military chief aimed at averting a military seizure of power ended with no sign of agreement. | |
| Military leaders accuse the government of corruption and lying. | Military leaders accuse the government of corruption and lying. |
| In a statement, Fiji's military said the exercises were being carried out to protect the country. | |
| Troops in full combat dress would secure the centre of Suva, the army said, and "illumination rounds" would be fired into the sea. | |
| "The exercise is in anticipation of any foreign intervention and the Republic of Fiji Military Force is taking all precautionary measures," the statement said. | |
| The general public was advised to remain cautious when travelling into the centre of Suva, but urged not to be alarmed by the exercise. | |
| War of words | |
| Military chief Frank Bainimarama has repeatedly threatened to overthrow the government, despite Fiji having been through three coups in 20 years. | |
| He flew back home on Wednesday after talks with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase broke down. | |
| The military leader had said he would not negotiate with Mr Qarase. | |
| "It's very simple. He comes with a 'yes' or a 'no' to our demands, full stop," he told New Zealand radio before the meeting. | |
| The prime minister, though, described some of Cmdr Bainimarama's demands as a "threat to democracy". | |
| The heart of the feud between the military and Mr Qarase's government lies in plans by the government to offer amnesties to those involved in a racially-motivated coup six years ago. | |
| The proposal is bitterly opposed by Cmdr Bainimarama, who was the main target of the mutiny, and was forced to flee for his life. |