Fiji Prime Minister's resignation as military chief welcomed

Wellington, March 5:

Foreign Minister Murray McCully Wednesday welcomed the decision of Fiji

Frank Bainimarama to step down as commander of the Fiji armed forces.

"Separating the government and the military is an important step toward holding credible elections in Fiji later this year," Xinhua quoted McCully as saying in a statement.

"Today's announcement is an important milestone on that road... New Zealand is providing assistance to the Fiji Elections Office and stands ready to provide further support as needed," McCully said.

New Zealand was among a group of Pacific nations that imposed sanctions on Fiji after the military takeover in 2006.

The Fijian government has pledged to hold elections in September.

IANS