Toke Talagi, the Pacific Islands Forum chairman and Premier of Niue, has condemned the Fijian president's decision to abrogate the constitution.

"I condemn the actions of the military regime in Fiji to date, the abrogation of the Constitution and reappointment of members of the previous Interim Government in direct contravention of Fiji law as determined by the Court of Appeal on 9th April 2009," Mr Talagi said.

"The hopes and aspirations of many in Fiji and the wider region, just briefly raised by the Court of Appeal decision on 9 April, have been dashed by the unilateral and irresponsible actions of President Iloilo and Commodore Bainimarama."

President Ratu Josefa Iloilo abrogated the country's constitution and revoked all judicial appointments last Friday in response to a Court of Appeal decision declaring the removal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the appointment of military strongmanVoreqe Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister unlawful.

Fijian President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has abrogated the country's constitution and signalled the appointment of a new interim government.

The move comes in response to yesterday's Court of Appeal decision declaring the removal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qaraseand the appointment of military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister unlawful.

In a televised address to the nation, President Iloilo declared he was abrogating the constitution, and appointed himself as head of state. All judicial appointments were revoked, but existing laws would remain. He said he would appoint a new interim government in the coming days to pave the way for "true democratic and parliamentary elections" to be held by September 2014.

Iloilo claimed to have the "full support" of the security forces and directed the military to take "all reasonable steps" to maintain law and order. He said he was taking these steps to implement the reforms of the People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress. He promised that the basic human rights of all citizens would be protected.