Pacific Beat

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the start of Australia's campaign along the now famous Kokoda Trail in PNG.

Australia's Prime Minister John Howard is meeting with his counterpart Sir Michael Somare in Papau New Guinea.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza is attending the Pacific Islands Forum as well as the Melanesian Spearhead Group and ACP meetings in Suva, despite strong opposition at home.

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader, Patteson Oti says Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza's priority is to attend to the country's economic crisis situation rather than attend the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Fiji.

Tensions in Solomon Islands capital Honiara worsened yesterday as all domestic and international flights were cancelled, following a strike by civil aviation workers.

Last week, incoming Prime Minister Michael Somare indicated that Papua New Guinea would not accept more asylum seekers on to Manus Island, under the controversial policy dubbed the "Pacific Solution.

The mandate for the body overseeing the peace process in the strife-torn Solomon Islands comes to an end in two months' time.

Vanuatu's biggest Kava dealer has found a new high-value crop, which may help thousands of farmers suffering as a result of the crash in Kava prices.

The European Union's Suva office has reacted to media reports suggesting Fiji could lose up to A$42 million in aid unless it complies with a High Court ruling on multi-party government.

Tensions in Solomon Islands Capital Honiara worsened today as all domestic and international flights were cancelled following a strike by civil aviation workers.

Solomon Islands police have refused permission for a planned demonstration by a political pressure group aiming to force the ruling government of Sir Allan Kemakeza out of office.

In Papau New Guinea, Australia's Prime Minister John Howard is scheduled to meet today with his counterpart Sir Michael Somare.

In Vanuatu the Police Service Commission has nominated Holi Simon to act as the Police Commissioner.

As Fiji's capital Suva gears up for this week's Pacific Islands Forum, non-government organisations in the country are up in arms over what they believe is an attempt to muzzle them.

For the first time in 30 years, Australia wants the top job in the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum.

Fiji's Nurses Association has again called on the government to address the continuing exodus of skilled nurses from Fiji.

Just elected in a flawed national poll marred by violence, PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has called a halt to the controversial privatisation policy launched by his predecessor, Sir Mekere Morauta.

The new Prime Minister of Tuvalu Saufatu Sopoanga has vowed to follow his predecessors by continuing to achieve a healthy and accountable economy for his country.

"Island Kingdom Strikes Back" is the title of a new book which chronicles the sometimes turbulent life of Tonga's pro-democracy newspaper Taimi 'o Tonga.