Fiji facts

51% indigenous Fijians 44% Indian Fijians Made up of 300 islands Sitiveni Rabuka led coup in 1987 Fiji has been a constitutional democracy

Coup leader George Speight, the son of opposition politician Sam Speight, read a statement to reporters saying he was claiming executive power over Fiji and revoked the constitution.

It is reported he has instated a temporary prime minister and he says he has the passive support of the army.

Locked

"We set foundations for change once and for all in the affairs of the country of Fiji as desired by the indigenous people," George Speight said.

"Now they will be able to achieve self-determination and control the future destiny in all matters pertaining to their livelihood.

Sitiveni Rabuka is reported to be taking part in negotiations

"Through these actions I am asserting ownership, am asserting control, and I am asserting executive power over Fiji.

"We have revoked the constitution, we have revoked the powers of the President of Fiji."

His statement was posted on the internet site Fijilive (wwww.fijilive.com) and was broadcast on local radio.

It is thought a small group of men carrying AK 47 rifles used the cover of a demonstration to storm the government building.

The prime minister is said to be locked in an office in the upper floor of the building, but telephone links with Fiji have been lost at stages during the coup making confirmation difficult.

Mr Chaudhry's government was elected under a non-racial constitution a year ago to the day. He was the first ethnic Indian to head a government in Fiji.

But his administration has been accused of aggravating racial divisions between the majority Fijian community and Indians, who make up less than half the population.

Fijian nationalist groups have recently held street protests vowing to topple the government and in the past 24 hours there was an attempt to set fire to an historic Indian landmark.

The takeover has rekindled memories of the military coup of 1987, where a similar style takeover of parliament toppled the then democratically elected Indian-dominated government.

Mediate

Speight is a Fijian businessman involved in forestry and is believed to be linked with nationalist groups which had been protesting against the Indian-dominated government.

There are reports of some fighting and looting in the capital, Suva, and many people are said to be leaving the city.

And there reports that the former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has gone to parliament to mediate with those behind the coup.

Mr Rabuka led two coups in 1987, declared the island a republic but subsequently resigned.