The European Union's current presidency Finland condemned Tuesday the take-over of executive powers from the democratically elected government by the Fijian military forces.

The Presidency reiterated in the statement its strongest possible opposition to actions that undermine the democratic process in Fiji, and demanded that the military forces stand back and give way to the democratically elected political government.

Following its statements of Oct. 26 and Nov. 27, the Presidency urged all those involved to pursue resolutely, and through the appropriate channels, dialogue aimed at settling the current crisis and restoring the democratic stability of the country.

Fiji's army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama took over the government and executive authority on Tuesday in the South Pacific nation's fourth coup in nearly 20 years.

Source: Xinhua