New York  - The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern Monday after the abrogation of the Fijian constitution and sacking of all judges by the island's military regime.

The April 10 declaration also imposed severe press restrictions on the press, broadcaster and website operators.

It is a step backwards," the Security Council's rotating president, Ambassador Claude Heller of Mexico, said Monday.

Speaking for the 15-country council, Heller called for "restoration of the democracy process that Fiji has been undertaking, in cooperation with regional and international partners as well as the United Nations."

He called for fair elections as soon as possible.

The April 10 action by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo postponed new elections until September 2014. (dpa)