Fiji's military ruler lifts state of emergency

Fiji’s military ruler today said he was lifting a state of emergency imposed on the country when he seized power in a coup six months ago.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who declared himself prime minister after the December 5 coup, announced in a national address that the emergency powers would cease from midnight local time today.

He said the military would retain special powers to quell any unrest or other anti-government acts.