Fiji chiefs force President's reinstatement

THE head of the Fijian armed forces, Frank Bainimarama, has reinstated the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, clearing the way for an interim government while largely retaining the military's control since its coup last month.

Commodore Bainimarama also announced the resignation of the caretaker prime minister, Jona Senilagakali, whom he appointed after dissolving cabinet, suspending Parliament and banishing the elected Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, to his home island 300 kilometres north of Suva.

The developments open the way for Ratu Iloilo to appoint an interim government to steer the country to the next general election, but they do not significantly alter the military's hold on power since Commodore Bainimarama's coup on December 5.

Commodore Bainimarama's appointments still control all key decision-making posts and the military council has a shortlist of 31 possible members of the interim government.

The military leader's decision to reinstate Ratu Iloilo to his largely ceremonial post comes after a month-long tussle with the tribal council of elders, which appoints the president.