The Europeans had threatened to suspend about $272 million in aid earmarked for Fiji unless coup leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, agreed to respect human rights and restore democracy within 24 months following his bloodless Dec. 5 coup.

It was Fiji's fourth coup in 20 years.

Bainimarama earlier said he planned to call elections by mid-2010, but after talks between Fijian and EU officials, the military regime had given several "commitments," the EU said.

"Fiji undertook to return to democracy and have parliamentary elections in less than 24 months," it said in a statement released through the EU office in Fiji.

It noted that Fiji had made "commitments guaranteeing early and credible general elections ... not later (than) 1 March, 2009."

There was no immediate response from the military-led government in the Fiji capital, Suva.

The European Union said it was essential that the rule of law is restored and the political rights of all citizens in Fiji are respected as set out in the Fiji Constitution.

It will also encourage Fiji to examine the roots of what it called its "coup culture" and the means to eradicate it.

The statement said the EU will pursue a dialogue with Fiji to help "the establishment of a democratic political order which can provide Fiji with the stability needed for ... sustainable socio-economic development."

In a clear warning to the regime, the EU said: "The importance of and the implementation of the commitments undertaken by Fiji will fundamentally influence the nature and scope of the appropriate measures to be decided on following these consultations."

Fiji has said it desperately needs an injection of aid cash from the EU to help restructure its failing sugar industry, which will collapse without major financial support.