KEY POINTS:
Armed soldiers in full battle gear were due to deploy on the streets of Suva early today in what Fiji's military called a training exercise aimed at repelling any foreign intervention.
Soldiers were expected to fire "illumination" rounds into the sea and secure strategic parts of the capital.
"The exercise is in anticipation of any foreign intervention and the [Fiji military] is taking all precautionary measures," the Army said.
The three-hour show of muscle was announced after inconclusive peace talks in Wellington yesterday involving warring Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and military commander Frank Bainimarama.
The talks at Government House aimed at averting a coup ended with no sign of a backdown by either side.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who brokered the talks, described them as "lengthy, serious and meaningful" but said there was more talking to be done.
Commodore Bainimarama would not talk to reporters as he left for his flight back to Fiji, while Mr Qarase said the talks were not long enough to reach conclusions.
"I'm not going to give you any details but, overall, it was a good start and there is need for further consultations on some of the issues," he said.
Regional foreign ministers are to meet in Sydney tomorrow, at Mr Qarase's request, to consider the repeated coup threats from Fiji's military leader.
Under a Pacific Forum declaration, member countries can intervene to help resolve unrest in another member state but only at the request of the affected Government.
Attempts this week by the United States, British and Australian ambassadors to Fiji to meet military officers to seek an assurance there would be no coup met with an angry response.
Army spokesman Major Neumi Leweni said it was "inappropriate for a civilian diplomat to visit a military camp and seek to speak directly to officers".
The military said today's exercise would involve rounds being fired into the sea near Nukulau Islands, Makuluva Island and the entrance to Suva Harbour.
Major Leweni could not say if they would be firing live rounds.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was concerned about the military exercises in Suva.
"I'm not aware anyone's threatening foreign intervention. I can assure you New Zealand isn't," she said.
Police spokeswoman Sylvia Low said the military did not need its permission to conduct such exercises.
In another development, Fiji's Police Commissioner, Andrew Hughes, took leave to be with his family in Brisbane. Reports in Fiji said he moved to an undisclosed location in Suva a few days ago after receiving threats.
Mr Hughes flew to New Zealand on Tuesday night with Mr Qarase and left yesterday for Brisbane. He will not resume work until the middle of next month.
The Deputy Police Commissioner, Moses Driver, will now act as the head of Fiji's police.
Mr Hughes has been at the centre of turmoil between the Government and the military after he was told to resign by Commodore Bainimarama following suggestions the military chief could face sedition charges after his threats against Mr Qarase's Administration.
Last week, Commodore Bainimarama promised a "clean-up campaign" against the Government within two weeks if the demands of the military were not met.
The armed forces want three controversial bills and police investigations into senior military officers dropped.
- AGENCIES
