Fiji's military chief said Tuesday he has taken over the government.

Army chief Commodore Bainimarama made the announcement at a press conference held in Suva, capital of Fiji.

"As of 6 o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country," said the military chief.

The move comes after the president Ratu Josefa Iloilo had called for him to find a legal solution to the crisis and the refusal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign.

Bainimarama said he had assumed the powers of the president, and was using them to dismiss Qarase from office and appoint an interim government.

He maintained that while he was in control he would ask the Great Council of Chiefs meeting to appoint Ratu Josefa Iloilo as President at its next meeting.

Bainimarama said Jona Senilagakali will be caretaker Prime Minister until an interim administration is appointed.

In an earlier address, Laisenia Qarase said he would not resign as the elected Prime Minister.

Bainimarama said the takeover was "not permanent".

The commander urged all Cabinet ministers in the Qarase government to resign within a month.

He said "the Constitution will remain."

So far Suva is stable with no sign of chaos after the army chief announced military takeover, Xinhua's witness said Tuesday.

Jin Renwu, a Chinese restaurant owner, said there are still several eaters in his restaurant. No one appears afraid of the coming government transition.

Jin's Sichuan Restaurant is located in the central district of the city. He said some neighboring stores have shut the door from noon and other are still running business.

"But there are fewer people on the street than before," said Mr.Jin.

Fei Mingxing, the Political Counsellor of Chinese Embassy to Fiji, told Xinhua that the embassy has informed the Chinese in Suva to take measures against particular situation.

There are over 7,000 Chinese living in Fiji, most of them reside in Suva.

Mr. Fei said the embassy is monitoring the situation in Fiji and will make every efforts to help Chinese.

Tension has been rising for weeks in Fiji amid a stand-off between the army chief and the prime minister.

Bainimarama said Sunday the Prime Minister has to resign to allow the military to clean up the Government.

Soldier have gone into home of Qarase, who said he is under arrest.

Bainimarama said he has no intention to hurt Qarase and other ministers.

Source: Xinhua