Fiji fails to oust military head

Cdr Frank Bainimarama is at loggerheads with the government

Fiji's government has failed to remove the country's outspoken military chief after his nominated replacement turned down the post.

Lieutenant Colonel Meli Saubulinayau was asked to take over from the controversial Commodore Frank Bainimarama, according to local media.

But an army spokesman said he turned down the offer, because he still supported Commodore Bainimarama.

The military chief has been at odds with the government for months.

He has even threatened to force PM Laisenia Qarase to resign if he goes ahead with a controversial bill offering amnesties to plotters of the 2000 coup.

Target of the coup

Mr Qarase met President Ratu Josefa Iloilo early on Tuesday, in what analysts suggest was an effort to find a replacement for Mr Bainimarama - who is currently out of the country.

But when Lt Colonel Meli Saubulinayau was told of the plan, he declined to take the office, saying he did not command the support of the military, according to Fijian media.

"Bainimarama is still the commander and will remain as the commander," Land Force Commander Lt Col Pita Driti told the online news service Fijilive.com.

Last year Commodore Bainimarama said he would force Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign unless he abandoned several controversial policies - including a bill which would offer amnesties to the many of those behind the 2000 coup.

Commodore Bainimarama was the main target of the mutiny, and was forced to flee for his life.

He also played a key role in putting down the coup, and has made clear that he does not feel the government has done enough to bring its perpetrators to justice.

The growing rift between the government and the military has left Fijians worried about the future.

"People are scared. Most of them are unsure what will happen next," one resident of the capital, Suva, told Reuters news agency.

Fiji's police commissioner has reportedly refused to release a shipment of ammunition to the military, until commanders assure them it will not be used against the government.

Australia issued a new travel advisory for Fiji on Tuesday, warning citizens to avoid street demonstrations and rallies that could become catalysts for civil disorder.

The US has also warned "to be aware that civil-military unrest in November is possible".