Australian government advises against travel to Suva

The Australian department of foreign affairs and trade has warned that people should "reconsider" travel to the Fijian capital of Suva.

Increased tensions between the Fijian government and the country's military have led some to express concerns of a coup on the island.

According to Reuters, a witness said that the ceremonial guard positioned outside the president's residence in Suva had been replaced with armed troops in combat gear.

The Fijian military commander, Frank Bainimarama, has issued the incumbent prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, with a series of threats in recent months.

Principally, the military chief believes that Mr Qarase is too sympathetic to indigenous nationalists behind a failed coup in 2000. He has issued the prime minister with a series of demands that must be met.

The Australian ministry noted: "You should reconsider your need to travel to Suva at this time because of the uncertain security situation and the renewed threat of military action.

"On November 21st, the commander of the Republic of Fiji military forces announced on local radio a renewed ultimatum to the government of Fiji to meet a list of demands within two weeks (that is by early December), or the military would take action."

Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer had discussions with Mr Qarase regarding a diplomatic solution to the situation. However, Mr Bainimarama has reportedly rejected these suggestions.