Pacific Beat

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.

Niue is in political turmoil following the government's failure to pass the budget through the first reading.

In Papua New Guinea's West New Britain Province, thousands of people are turning to local authorities for help following the recent eruption of a volcano near Mount Pago.

In Guam, victims of Typhoon Chata'an which devastated the territory last month may now seek counselling following the release of a special grant by the American Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Tjibaou Cultural Centre in New Caledonia is hosting the Noumea Biennale of Contemporary Art, showcasing work by twenty local and international artists including three from Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The push for West Papuan autonomy has moved to Fiji.

Tuvalu's new Prime Minister says one of his government's priorities will be to ensure Tuvaluans have plenty of reasons to remain in the country and not give into fears of climate change and sea level rise.

After just four months in office, Niue's Premier Young Vivian is facing a constitutional crisis.

A judge in the Vanuatu Supreme court has handed down a landmark ruling in a dispute over the appointment of Police Commissioner.

An Australian in the vital post of Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum could jeopardise the region's relations with Europe and threaten the very future of the 30-year-old peak organisation.

Diego T.

A new Internet website has been launched with information about Papua, the Indonesian province formerly known as Irian Jaya.