Australian Prime Minister John Howard Wednesday expressed Australia's support to the Fijian government over the crisis after Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase sought the dismissal of the country's military commander Frank Bainimarama.

"The Australian Government is deeply concerned by threats made against the Government of Fiji by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces," Howard said in a statement.

"I have spoken on several occasions during recent weeks, including last night, to Prime Minister Qarase to express personally to him Australia's strong support for his government as the duly and democratically elected Government of Fiji," Howard said.

"Australia has also expressed directly to senior Fiji military personnel our clear views on the proper role of the military in a democracy," he added.

Howard's comments came as two Australians warships were put on standby Tuesday night to sail to Fiji to assist with any evacuation of Australians in the event of a coup.

Bainimarama, who is visiting troops in the Middle East, refused to step down after Qarase called on President Josefa Iloilo to replace him.

The tension between the Qarase Government and the military began three weeks ago after Bainimarama threatened to force the government's resignation unless it dropped two pieces of legislation, including an amnesty for some of the plotters of the 2000 coup.

Howard said Australia would view any extra constitutional moves in Fiji with the utmost seriousness and is preparing steps to respond appropriately to possible developments.

"Our actions are being closely coordinated with our partners and allies both in the region and beyond. In this respect, I spoke last night to the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Rt Hon Helen Clark," he said.

Source: Xinhua