Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama vowed Friday to lift living conditions in Fiji and rid the nation of corruption.

In his address to the nation, Commodore Bainimarama said he would also continue as commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, but would not draw the prime minister's salary.

Bainimarama also vowed that no military person would personally benefit from the actions of the military on Dec. 5 last year, or from his appointment as interim prime minister.
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He said the interim cabinet would be announced by the President.

This interim government would also be bound by the mandate delivered by the President, which included granting criminal and civil immunity to the commander and all members of the army for their actions on Dec. 5.

Bainimarama said the appointment of the interim government would mark a new beginning for Fiji.

Bainimarama was sworn in hours ago as interim Prime Minister one day after handing back executive authority to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who was deprived of the presidency on Dec. 5 by army's bloodless coup, and was handed back the executive authority, swore in Commodore Bainimarama as Interim Prime Minister in the Government House.

Military-appointed caretaker Prime Minister Dr Jona Senilagakali handed in Thursday his resignation to Commodore Bainimarama.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2007)