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Fiji army plans show of strength Fiji military stokes coup fears
(about 2 hours later)
Fiji's military has said it will conduct night-time exercises to secure strategic areas of the capital, Suva, citing fears of "foreign intervention".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.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 deceitfulness.
In a statement, Fiji's military said the exercises were being carried out to protect the country.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. Troops in full combat dress would secure the centre of Suva between midnight and 0300 on Thursday (1200 to 1500GMT on Wednesday), 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 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.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 wordsWar of words
Military chief Frank Bainimarama has repeatedly threatened to overthrow the government, despite Fiji having been through three coups in 20 years.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. He flew back home on Wednesday after holding two hours of talks with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in New Zealand.
The military leader had said he would not negotiate with Mr Qarase.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."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 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 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. The proposal is bitterly opposed by Cmdr Bainimarama, who put down the coup, and who at one stage was forced to flee for his life.
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the situation remained worrying in Fiji, despite what he called a "helpful" meeting between the two men.