Fiji suspended from commonwealth

LONDON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Fiji's fourth military coup in 20 years has resulted in its suspension from the Commonwealth, it was reported in London Friday.

The bloodless coup earlier this week wrested power from its democratically-elected government with Commander Frank Bainimarama taking over from Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, ITV reported.

British ministers and eight other nations made the decision to suspend Fiji at an emergency meeting in London, demanding immediate restoration of the democratic government.