Bainimarama told to keep nose out

SUVA - Fiji's Prime Minister bluntly warned the nation's outspoken military chief to stay out of politics, ratcheting up fears of more unrest before a May election.

Military chief Frank Bainimarama accuses Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of being too soft on the 2000 coup leaders.

But Qarase claimed his frequent political interference was "undemocratic and unwarranted. The commander's stated intention of involving the military in the ... campaign is a threat to peace and stability and ... free and fair elections."

- REUTERS