Fiji's army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said Sunday the Prime Minister has to resign to allow the military to clean up the government.

Speaking on national television a short while ago, Bainimarama said Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase needs to step aside.

"So we can find a new group to replace them," said Bainimarama.

Qarase has refused to give in to the army's demand for his resignation.

Bainimarama said that whatever changes the military is going to do is going to be smooth and a "peaceful transition."

Bainimarama called for peace and calm, assuring the nation and saying everyone should carry on with their normal business.

Tensions in Fiji have been high since Bainimarama threatened a month ago to remove Prime Minister Qarase from office.

Fiji, a South Pacific nation of about 900,000 people, consists of 800-plus volcanic and coral islands. Racial and political tensions since 1987, including three coups, have been an intermittent source of instability of the country.

Source: Xinhua