In a speech broadcast nationally, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who ousted the former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on December 5, said he would also remain as head of the military.

He was sworn in by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo, whom he reinstated yesterday after he had assumed Mr Iloilo's largely ceremonial powers during the coup.

After the ceremony, Mr Qarase, who was re-elected for a second five-year term last May, warned that Fiji was heading towards military dictatorship.

"We can look at some very unsettled times ahead. We are going to lose a lot before we even start to move upward again," he said.

Commodore Bainimarama staged Fiji's fourth coup in 20 years, accusing the government of corruption, racism against the country's Indian minority and not treating harshly enough those responsible for the country's previous coup in 2000.

"In all things, I will be a true and faithful prime minister," he said today as he took the oath of office. "Let us put the interest of the nation at heart."

Speaking after the ceremony, in a national address, he warned: "I implore all those who may think about challenging, through whatever means and methods, the choice and wisdom of his excellency [the president] to think again," he said.

"Let's work together in peace and harmony to take our country through to truly democratic and constitution-based elections."

However, he gave no indication when new elections might be held, saying only that polls would take place when "political and economic conditions are conducive".

Winston Peters, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, described Commodore Bainimarama's appointment as a charade.

His coup was condemned around the world, with Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the United States all imposing economic and defence sanctions.

Commodore Bainimarama was almost killed in a failed but bloody mutiny linked to the coup six years ago.

Using self-appointed powers he swore in a caretaker Prime Minister, Dr Jona Senilagakali, a military medic, during the coup, but Mr Senilagakali resigned yesterday.

His appointment as interim leader tightens his grip on power because he now has the authority to nominate ministers in Fiji's caretaker government, which is expected to be announced this month.

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