New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Tuesday he was disappointed by comments from Fiji's military commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, calling on the Fiji government to "resign or else."

"New Zealand is very concerned about the Commander's threats that he will overthrow the legitimate government in Suva if it does not do what he says," said Peters.

Commodore Bainimarama is reported to have presented an ultimatum to the Fiji government, giving it three weeks to drop particular policies to which be objects, or to resign.

Peters said the New Zealand government's position on the role of the military is well known. It does not have any political role in a democratically elected government.

"As a close friend and neighbor of Fiji, New Zealand is particularly concerned about the damage being posed to Fiji's international image and standing by such statements," said Peters.

"It has been encouraging to see all parties working together in a multi-party government since the Fiji general elections in May," said Peters.

Source: Xinhua