Embattled Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said Tuesday a coup is under way.

"There is virtually a coup taking place," Qarase told Radio New Zealand.

"They have strangled the police force, they have neutralized them and now they are strangling the government machinery," said Qarase.

Qarase said President Ratu Josefa Iloilo wanted him in a earlier meeting to meet all military's demands, or resign.

"But I can't do either of those (choices)," said Qarase.

Early this morning, Qarase went to the Government House for a meeting with the President, Vise President and the secretary- general to Parliament, creating speculation that a dissolution of Parliament is on the agenda.

Armed Fiji soldiers have entered the grounds of the Prime Minister's official residence and taken two official vehicles.

In a latest development, Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini has appealed to the army to return to the barracks and not to arrest Prime Minister.

Bokini said he was going to Qarase's home soon to show his support for the Prime Minister.

Source: Xinhua