India 'saddened' at Fiji developments

New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) India today said it was ''saddened'' at the latest military coup in Fiji and hoped that rule of law would prevail and power returned to the people at the earliest.

''We are saddened to learn about the turn of events in Fiji and hope that the rule of law will prevail and power will be returned to the people at the earliest,'' a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said.

The brief statement said India greatly valued its relations with Fiji Islands, ''a country with which we share cultural and historical links.'' In the latest developments in Fiji, Army chief Commodore oreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama overthrew civilian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in a military coup, the fourth in 20 years, taking over the reins of the government.

The Prime Minister was placed under house arrest.

Fiji, a South Pacific nation of nearly 900,000 people, has witnessed racial and political tensions since 1987, including previous three coups, that have been a source of instability in the country.

The population is divided 50:50 between ethnic Fijians and Indians.

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