The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Suva

Fiji police have arrested 16 people over an assassination plot against the South Pacific island nation's coup leader and prime minister.

Three of those arrested were charged on Monday with treason, inciting mutiny and conspiracy to murder, police said. The three, whose names were withheld, are expected in court on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama assured the public and tourists that Fiji's police would maintain safety in the island nation hit by four coups and an army mutiny since 1987.

"There are obviously disgruntled groups out there who are feeling the full impact of the interim government's 'Clean Up Campaign'," Bainimarama said in a statement on Monday.

"Such people have the potential to go to extremes in undermining the work which the interim government has been mandated to undertaket," he said.