In a 6 PM news conference, Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama announced that the state of emergencywhich has existed under the Public Emergency Regulations since the December 5^th. coup, would end at midnight.

He said the decision was made following an assessment of national security by the army, police and Home Affairs Ministry.

Commodore Bainimarama said the Public Order Act will remain in place, meaning anyone found to be inciting violence, racial antagonism, disturbing public peace or publishing false reports or news will be investigated and charged.

The Interim Government had given an undertaking to the European Union last month that it would lift the emergency regulations subject to several conditions.  It was one of several commitments to the EU to ensure the restoration of democracy.

It is thought the EU will now continue to provide development assistance worth $350 million that was suspended after the December 2006 coup led by Commodore Bainimarama.