Fiji in a state of emergency

The Pacific nation of Fiji was thrown into a state of emergency Wednesday; a day after the military commander overthrew the elected government.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is calling for the "immediate reinstatement" of Prime Minister Larasenia Qarase's government.

In a written statement Annan said he strongly deplores the seizure of power in the Republic of Fiji by the military leadership, and calls for the immediate reinstatement of the legitimate authority in Fiji and its return to constitutional rule through peaceful means and inclusive dialogue.

This is Fiji’s fourth coup in 19 years and the radio network ‘Legend’ reports that the military forces would set up a cordon of checkpoints around the capital, Suva, as part of the state of emergency.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama accused the government of corruption and took over power Monday. He urged the country's 900,000 citizens to remain calm.

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