 A week and a half later, on 31 October 2006, the military staged exercises around Suva and closed off the city's army barracks.The military said that the exercises were not threatening.Meanwhile, Qarase and President Iloilo attempted to fire Bainimarama, who was in Iraq inspecting Fijian peacekeeping troops, but their nominee for his replacement declined the position and Major Neumi Leweni said the Army remained loyal to Bainimarama.