The United States on Tuesday voiced its concern over worsening civilian-military relations in Fiji, and warned the Fiji military against attempting to overthrow the democratically elected government.

"We urge Fiji's military leadership to refrain from any actions that could be seen as a provocation or threat to the democratically elected government," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told a news briefing.

"As the United States has noted both publicly and privately to Fiji's military leaders, it is critical that the armed forces fully respect constitutional processes, the rule of law and the military's subordination to the lawfully elected leadership of the country," he said.

"Any action by the military to the contrary would severely affect Fiji's stability and its political and economic development. It would also negatively affect Fiji's relations with the United States and other countries and could lead to a suspension of United States assistance to Fiji," the spokesman said.

Fiji's military commander Frank Bainimarama has been at loggerheads with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his government for at least 18 months.

Earlier this month he threatened to force the resignation of the Qarase government if it failed to drop draft laws to which the military objects.

Fiji has suffered three coups and a failed mutiny since 1987.

Source: Xinhua