Fiji's Political Crisis Continues to Build

SUVA, Fiji - Fiji's military government extended its grip on power Friday as a former army commander was sworn in as vice-president of the volatile South Pacific island country.

n Ottawa, Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon issued a statement Friday calling Iloilo's moves "unacceptable actions ... not consistent with freedom, democracy, human rights or the rule of law."

"Canada calls for the restoration of the democratic rights of the Fijian people and for immediate steps to reimplement the constitution, reinstate the judiciary and hold early elections," the statement said.

Pressure is mounting among South Pacific countries to suspend Fiji from a key regional group, as countries seek new ways to pressure Bainimarama to restore democracy quickly.

Paul Reeves, the British Commonwealth's special envoy to Fiji, said the 53-member organization was also considering suspending Fiji's membership and would take its lead from the Pacific forum.