Fiji's military commander declared a state of emergency and installed a new prime minister and police chief Wednesday, a day after he overthrew the elected government and brought international sanctions and censure that began to isolate the South Pacific country. It was the nation's fourth coup in 19 years. The radio network Legend quoted a military statement saying that armed forces would set up a cordon of checkpoints around the capital, Suva, as part of the state of emergency. "As of 6 o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country," Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the armed forces chief credited with resolving Fiji's last coup, said Tuesday in a nationally broadcast statement. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, who insists he is still Fiji's legitimate leader, flew Wednesday from the capital to his home village on the remote northeastern Lau group of islands, said Pene Nonu, his private secretary.
