The European Union, British Commonwealth and New Zealand condemned the monthlong state of emergency imposed Thursday by the self-named interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

"It is not apparent which threats to national security, public order and safety exist to justify such a drastic measure as bringing back the Public Emergency Regulations," the European Union said Friday.

The political situation in Fiji was to be on the Council of the European Union's agenda when it meets in Brussels later Friday, it said in a statement.

Bainimarama — who seized power in a bloodless Dec. 5, 2006, coup — said the emergency measures were needed to counter efforts by ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and others from his indigenous Fijian-dominated Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua party.

Bainimarama accused them Thursday of "spreading lies" after Qarase returned to the capital Suva last weekend after more than eight months in self-imposed exile on his home island Vanuabalavu.

Upon arriving in Suva, Qarase offered to work with Bainimarama's government — a move that was rejected by the military chief. Despite the reconciliatory gesture, Qarase also initiated court action seeking to declare Bainimarama's government illegal.

The nation was calm Friday, the second day of emergency rule, and there was no extra military presence on the streets.

Under the measures, the military regime has the right to detain Fijians without charge. Public meetings are only allowed with formal police approval, while street marches are banned entirely.

Other countries also reacted unfavorably to Bainimarama's move.

A meeting was called later Friday of representatives from the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum, which includes Fiji, "to explore how this martial law can be lifted as quickly as possible," New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said.

British Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon said he was concerned the move to emergency rule would set back steps toward reinstating democracy in the South Pacific nation.