July 2008

Fiji Labour Party

Updated 30/07/2008 14:53:23

How much support remains for Fiji's Labour party since the 2006 coup.

Solomons and Taiwan finalising labour scheme

Updated 30/07/2008 15:10:59

Unskilled workers from Solomon Islands could soon be working in Taiwan under a new labour scheme between the two countries.

King invested with Tui Kanokupolu title

Updated 30/07/2008 15:10:59

The King of Tonga has been invested with a traditional paramount chiefly title ahead of his official coronation on Friday.

Pro-democracy leader welcomes King giving up powers

Updated 30/07/2008 15:10:59

Tonga's pro-democracy movement has welcomed the announcement by the King that he is giving up most of his political power.

Cost of coronation questioned

Updated 29/07/2008 11:07:51

In Tonga, final preparations are being made for the coronation of the country's new King, George Tupou the fifth.

Minister to attend Olympics despite concerns

Updated 29/07/2008 11:07:51

The Solomon Islands government says it will send Home Affairs Minister James Tora to the Olympics in Beijing despite concerns by parents of athletes over his attendance.

Opposition wants formal recognition

Updated 29/07/2008 11:07:51

Samoa's informal opposition grouping within parliament says the country is a one party state.

Vanuatu achievements and challenges 28 years on

Updated 29/07/2008 14:53:23

Vanuatu is celebrating its 28th anniversary of independence from Britain and France on Wednesday.

Bougainville army leader issues challenge to presidential hopefuls

Updated 29/07/2008 14:53:23

In Bougainville, the former Revolutionary Army leader Sam Kauona has warned of taking over the Autonomous Bougainville Government if the late President Joseph Kabui's plans for economic recovery are overturned.

King gives up powers

Updated 29/07/2008 14:53:23

Tonga's King has announced he is giving up many of his powers and becoming more of a figurehead.

Good relations between Ramsi and Solomons government

Updated 29/07/2008 11:07:51

The Special Co-ordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, Tim George, says RAMSI has a very good working relationship with the current government.

Support for Fiji Labour Party questioned

Updated 28/07/2008 15:50:36

Meanwhile, Fiji's Labour Party has just held its annual delegates conference to sort out its role in the country's future.

Condaleeza Rice calls for Fiji Elections next March

Updated 28/07/2008 15:50:36

US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says her government has added its voice to the Pacific Forum, Australia and New Zealand, in demanding Fiji keep its promise to hold elections next March.

Fiji assassination case plods on

Updated 28/07/2008 10:24:56

In Fiji, a judge has warned the interim government to get its act together or the case against the alleged mastermind of an assassination plot will be thrown out.

Cabinet still undecided on water tax

Updated 28/07/2008 10:24:56

Fiji's interim government has decided to officially repeal the 20 cent per litre export tax on bottled water.

TONGA celebrates haead of this week's coronationof King George Tupou V

Updated 28/07/2008 10:24:56

Celebrations continue in Tonga ahead of the coronation of King George Tupou V.

Condoleeza Rice disappointed democracy has not returned to Fiji

Updated 28/07/2008 10:24:56

The United Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, visited New Zealand and Samoa over the weekend.

Solomon power authority getting touch on customer debt

Updated 28/07/2008 10:24:56

In Solomon Islands, the new board of the Electricity Authority is cracking down on customers who have not paid their bills.

Solomons Parliament passes RAMSI review motion

Updated 25/07/2008 10:16:01

As the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, RAMSI, marks its fifth anniversary the Solomon Islands parliament has passed a motion to review the international assistance legislation.

Ramsi's achievements in Solomon Islands five years on

Updated 25/07/2008 15:05:13

The head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, says Ramsi has achieved a lot since its deployment to the country five years ago.

NGOs upset at ban on attending Forum officials meeting

Updated 25/07/2008 15:05:13

Non-government organisations in the Pacific are upset they have been barred from a meeting of Pacific island Forum country officials in Suva.

Solomons Power Authority tells customers to pay up

Updated 25/07/2008 15:10:33

In Solomon Islands, the new board of the Electricity Authority is cracking down on customers who have not paid their bills.

US Secretary of State heading to the Pacific

Updated 25/07/2008 15:19:09

Later today the U-S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice leaves Australia for New Zealand, before flying to Samoa to meet Pacific Island foreign ministers this weekend.

Cabinet still undecided on water tax

Updated 25/07/2008 15:25:11

Fiji's interim government decided at today's Cabinet meeting to officially repeal the 20 cent per litre export tax on bottled water.

Fiji Finance Minister denies being sacked

Updated 25/07/2008 15:27:48

Fiji's interim Finance minister, Mahendra Chaudhry had blamed reports he is to be sacked on his enemies overseas and in Fiji.

Aust Police break crime ring dealing in PNG cannabis

Updated 24/07/2008 16:03:28

Australian authorities have arrested 13 people in a drug bust in the Torres Straits, Far North Queensland.

Marshallese seek jobs in U-S hotel industry

Updated 24/07/2008 16:11:32

With unemployment a serious problem across the Pacific, about 100 Marshall Islanders will leave this month to take up jobs in the hotel industry in the United States.

Preparations under for Tongan King's coronation

Updated 24/07/2008 16:14:32

Preparations for the coronation of King George Tupou the Fifth are well underway in Tonga.

Solmons Opposition leader explains withdrawal of notice for motion

Updated 24/07/2008 16:29:47

The Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says his group has not withrawn its motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Derek Sikua.

Solomons Parliament renews RAMSI mandate

Updated 24/07/2008 16:24:29

Fiji water industry welcomes drop in tax

Updated 24/07/2008 16:27:24

The Fiji bottled water industry has welcomed the decision by the Interim Governrment to drop the export tax on bottled water.

Fiji water operators back at work for now

Updated 24/07/2008 16:29:32

Fiji's interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum successfully negotiated a return to work by the country's bottled water operators.

Fiji interim PM denies sacking Finance Minister Chaudhry

Updated 24/07/2008 16:32:02

Fiji's Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has denied he is trying to sack his finance minister, Mahendra Chaudhry.

NZ PM says coup leader may become President

Updated 23/07/2008 11:31:21

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, says Fiji coup leader and self-appointed interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama may promote himself to President.

South Pacific Festival of the Arts opens

Updated 23/07/2008 15:48:31

The 10th South Pacific Festival of the Arts has opened in Pago Pago in American Samoa.

Pacific trade ministers tackle free trade issues

Updated 23/07/2008 15:53:55

Pacific Trade Ministers have begun meeting in the Cook Islands to tackle crucial free trade issues.

NZ media lose expensive gear in boat accident

Updated 23/07/2008 15:57:10

It was supposed to be a confidence-boosting farewell for New Zealand's Olympic rowers before they headed off to Beijing.

PNG Ramu Nickel project secures $US1.37 billion in funding

Updated 23/07/2008 16:03:10

Papua New Guinea's Chinese-backed Ramu nickel and cobalt project has secured nearly one-point-four billion US dollars in funding - the final hurdle before the project can become operational.

Tongan Pro-democracy group promises trouble-free coronation

Updated 23/07/2008 16:00:31

The coronation of Tonga's King George Tupou the fifth looks like going ahead next week without any risk of political unrest.

Fiji Weatherman sent on leave

Updated 23/07/2008 16:09:19

Another senior public servant in Fiji has been sent home.

Former Malaitan militants drawn into Solomons politics

Updated 23/07/2008 16:17:34

After a seven-month lull, the political situation in Solomon Islands is heating up again.

Fijian interim govt member appointed VP of AIBD

Updated 23/07/2008 16:16:04

A member of Fiji's interim military government has been appointed to a senior position in one of the region's most influential media development organisations.

Solomons Ex Militant Commander claims responsibility for raids.

Updated 23/07/2008 17:44:01

RAA former Commander of the Malaitan militant group in Solomon Islands has publicly claimed responsibility for the raids on police armouries prior to the June 2000 coup.

Fiji gets new business organisation to fight HIV/AIDS

Updated 22/07/2008 15:55:06

The Australia Fiji Business Council has signed an agreement with UN-AIDS and a funding deal with the Australian government to set up a new business organisation to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Fiji.

Fiji Law Society criticises government no show

Updated 22/07/2008 15:59:00

The President of the Fiji Law Society has criticised the interim government and judiciary for not sending a delegate to the Law Society Convention.

Pacific private sector organisation sets new priorities

Updated 22/07/2008 16:01:14

Business representatives from 10 Pacific Island countries have put together a three-year plan to push private sector and trade issues higher up the regional agenda.

Eyewitness saw B-52 before it crashed off Guam

Updated 22/07/2008 16:05:23

An eyewitness who saw an American military B-52 in the air before the crashed off Guam thinks it may have been having engine problems.

Three confrmed dead in bomber crash off Guam

Updated 22/07/2008 16:05:38

At least three crew members from a United States B-52 bomber have been confirmed dead in a crash off the coast of Guam.

PNG police arrest robbery suspects

Updated 22/07/2008 16:18:05

Papua New Guinea police have arrested two men suspected of being notorious bank robbers.

Ex-Solomons PM stands by Millennium Challange Project.

Updated 22/07/2008 16:20:58

The former Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has defended his government's handling of attempts to get funding from the American Millennium Challenge Account.

Fiji trade unions critical of PM's backpay

Updated 22/07/2008 16:26:08

Trade Unions in Fiji have criticised a payment of 184-thousand Fiji dollars in backpay to the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Copra reaches highest price in 15 years

Updated 21/07/2008 15:49:28

SRThe price of copra, dried coconut kernel, is at its highest in more than 15 years.

Alcohol the number one drug problem of the Pacific region

Updated 21/07/2008 15:49:45

The Asia Pacific Drug Issues Committee says alcohol is the number one concern of health authorities in the region.

University of the South Pacific cuts salaries by 40%

Updated 21/07/2008 15:54:13

The University of the South Pacific staff association has welcomed a decision to cut the salaries of senior management by 40 per cent.

Salary cut for new head of University of South Pacific

Updated 21/07/2008 15:56:54

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Proffessor Rajesh Chandra has taken a 65 per cent cut in his salary.

Critical shortage of doctors in Solomon Islands.

Updated 21/07/2008 16:02:14

The Solomon Islands is experiencing a critical shortage of medical doctors.

Fiji Law Society says election delay is irresponsible

Updated 21/07/2008 16:03:54

RAThe President of the Fiji Law Society says the announcement by the interim government not to hold elelctions in March next year is highly irresponsible.

Fiji interim PM avoiding date for return to democracy

Updated 21/07/2008 16:16:51

Fij's Interim Government is trying to avoid announcing a new date for when it will return the country to democratic rule.

Fiji's deposed PM says election move disappointing

Updated 21/07/2008 16:19:15

Fiji's deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, says the delay in next year's elections might mean some people looking at other options to oppose the interim government.

Fiji's ex-opposition leader not surprised at election move

Updated 21/07/2008 16:21:09

The cancellation of the election has also been criticised by Fiji's former opposition leader Mick Beddoes.

Head of Pacific Forum says Fiji's decision when to hold elections

Updated 21/07/2008 16:28:21

The chair of the Pacific Islands Forum says it's a pity Fiji has decided to defer general elections.

American bomber crashes off Guam

Updated 21/07/2008 16:45:40

An aircraft has crashed into the sea off Guam, and authorities are now searching for the six-crew members.

Solomons DPP wants further investigation into Samoan's case

Updated 18/07/2008 14:59:20

RAThe Attorney General in Solomon Islands has been asked to determine if a Samoan Police officer serving with the Regional Assistant Mission should have immunity from criminal prosecution or not.

NZ dismisses complaints about Pacific guest worker program

Updated 18/07/2008 10:05:16

New Zealand's Labour Department says the Pacific guest worker scheme is working well overall, despite some teething problems.

PNG considers lodging complaint about Canada at UN

Updated 18/07/2008 10:05:04

Papua New Guinea may lodge a complaint about Canada with the United Nations.

Japan offers to help Regional Assistance Mission to Solomons

Updated 18/07/2008 10:04:51

An offer by Japan to assist or join the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is being considered by RAMSI participating countries meeting in Honiara.

Climate change migration looming as a major challenge

Updated 18/07/2008 11:05:58

The World Bank is warning future climate change refugees present the Australian government with a major policy challenge.

PNG MP's accuse media of being terrorists

Updated 18/07/2008 11:10:29

Papua New Guinea government ministers have accused the local media of acting like terrorists.

Emergency meeting of Fiji Media Council

Updated 18/07/2008 11:16:03

An emergency meeting of Fiji's media council has been called in response to the interim government's announcement of new media regulations.

Fiji's credit rating affirmed

Updated 18/07/2008 15:06:02

One of the world's leading credit rating agencies has affirmed its credit ratings for Fiji, saying the country has been helped by a stabalisation in its political climate.

Fiji appoints new High Commissioner to Australia

Updated 18/07/2008 15:07:36

Fiji's interim government has appointed a non-diplomat to the sensitive post of High Commissioner in Australia.

Motion of no-confidence in Solomon Islands Prime Minister.

Updated 18/07/2008 15:10:11

The Solomon Islands Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare has given notice of a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Derek Sikua.

PNG alleges homes burnt by Indonesian soldiers

Updated 18/07/2008 15:19:50

RANearly 200 Papua New Guinea villagers have been left homeless after Indonesian soldiers allegedly burnt their homes.

Fiji Times Editor says new media laws draconian

Updated 18/07/2008 15:22:29

RAThe Editor of the Fiji Times Netani Rika says the first casulty of the interim government's new media laws will be the country's Media Council.

International media back Fiji Media Council

Updated 18/07/2008 15:28:29

News that Fiji's interim government planning to introduce laws to regulate the media has been greeted with dismay in Fiji and around the world.

Fiji Interim A/G non-commital on election date

Updated 18/07/2008 17:42:21

RAFiji's interim prime minister announced on Radio Fiji this evening that "there will be no elections next year".

Fiji activist questions govt commitment to elections

Updated 18/07/2008 17:42:20

A well-known Fiji NGO activist says she's not sure if the interim government is actually serious about holding elections at all.

Fiji PM says no elections next year

Updated 18/07/2008 17:51:34

Fiji's interim prime minister announced on Radio Fiji this evening that there will be no elections next year.

Fiji's ousted PM says media laws fine as they are

Updated 17/07/2008 16:23:38

Fiji's ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase says the country's media laws do not need to be changed.

Fiji's Attorney-General defends new media law proposal

Updated 17/07/2008 16:26:44

Fiji's Attorney-General has defended a proposed new media law as simply a proposal.

Fiji Media Council shocked at government backflip

Updated 17/07/2008 16:29:14

An emergency meeting of Fiji's media council has been called in response to the interim government's announcement of new media regulations.

Tongan Government sells stake in Westpac bank

Updated 16/07/2008 16:08:18

The Tongan government has sold its stake in the country's Westpac bank.

Cooks pearl forum to revive ailing industry

Updated 16/07/2008 13:22:34

The Cook Islands pearl industry is ailing.In the past 10 years, revenue has fallen from 14-point five million Australian dollars in 2000 to barely two million dollars today.

Rebuilding starts of China Town in Honiara

Updated 16/07/2008 15:43:32

In Solomon Islands, work has started on the rebuilding of China Town in Honiara which was destroyed by fire more than two years ago.

Solomon Islands Minister denies claims

Updated 16/07/2008 15:46:42

The Solomon Islands Environment Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has denied allegations that he was responsible for the failure of a multi-million dollar school computer project.

Fiji Tuna Industry Calls for Tax Relief

Updated 16/07/2008 15:50:13

Fiji's fishing industry has again warned it's on the brink of collapse.

4000 Pacific Islanders at World Youth Day

Updated 16/07/2008 15:52:44

More than four thousand young Pacific Islanders have taken part in the biggest religious event ever held in Sydney.

Sedition charges dismissed against Tongan journalist

Updated 16/07/2008 15:55:20

A Tongan journalist has had sedition charges against him dismissed.

PNG finds increase in HIV-Aids among young rural people

Updated 16/07/2008 16:00:06

A new report on the status of the HIV-Aids epidemic in Papua New Guinea has found an increase in infections amongst young people in rural areas.

Fiji complains to EU about fact finding mission

Updated 16/07/2008 16:02:47

Fiji's interim government has complained to the European Union about the conduct of the members of a fact finding mission.

Fiji Public Service confirms Chand resignation

Updated 16/07/2008 16:05:25

Fiji's Public Service Commission has confirmed it has received a letter of resignation from the Permanent Secretary to the Deparment of Prime Minister Parmesh Chand.

Diplomatic row between Canada & PNG over deportation of dancers

Updated 16/07/2008 16:11:39

A diplomatic row has erupted after a cultural delegation from Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands province was deported from Canada.

Higher fares & reduced services predicted for Pacific air industry

Updated 16/07/2008 16:14:36

Air passengers in the Pacific face higher fares and a reduction in services as the global aviation industry feels the impact of higher fuel costs.

Meetings on Fiji conclude without comment

Updated 16/07/2008 16:20:31

The Pacific Forum "Fiji Ministerial Contact Group" has finished its meetings and consultations in Fiji.

Mass sacking of Vanuatu prison warders after escape

Updated 15/07/2008 15:56:14

Vanuatu police have recaptured all but one of 20 prisoners who recently escaped from the main prison in Port Vila.

Call for Australia to help climate change refuees

Updated 15/07/2008 15:56:14

Some of the most dramatic effects of climate change are being experienced in the Pacific.

Breakthrough in Malaria treatment

Updated 15/07/2008 15:59:37

Australian scientists have found a new way to fight one of the world's most deadly diseases Malaria.

Strong interest as new PNG investment company lists on exchange

Updated 15/07/2008 16:05:35

The first investment company was listed on the Port Moresby Stock exchange this morning.

Tongan MP acquitted on riot charges

Updated 15/07/2008 16:07:17

A Tongan pro-democracy member of parliament has been aquitted on charges arising from the 2006 riot.

Fiji's Interim A/G refuses to reveal outcome of meeting

Updated 15/07/2008 16:13:30

Fiji's Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was at the meeting with the Pacific Forum Contact Group.

Delegates in Fiji refuse to discuss outcome of contact meeting

Updated 15/07/2008 16:15:17

The Pacific Forum Contact Group has finished meeting in Fiji but delegates have refused to discuss the agenda or outcome.

Power outages ground flights at Saipan aiport

Updated 14/07/2008 15:51:10

RAIn the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, power outages caused delays to two flights for more than an hour at the weekend.

Pollution & destructive fishing a threat to reefs

Updated 14/07/2008 15:59:10

As the International Coral Reef Symposium wound up in Florida at the weekend, participants at the closing session agreed that a continuing challenge for reef conservationists is sharing "best practices".

Survery find a third of coral species at risk

Updated 14/07/2008 15:51:10

A landmark global survey of coral reefs has found a third of all coral species is at risk of extinction.

Solomons Government rescues power authority

Updated 14/07/2008 16:01:07

In Solomon Islands, a 400-thousand US dollar intervention by the government has restored electricity supply to the capital Honiara.

Men have a responsibility for sexual and reproductive health

Updated 14/07/2008 16:08:49

Pacific Islands men need to be more involved in health and education issues.

PNG concerned over cross border violations

Updated 14/07/2008 16:14:56

Papua New Guinea has raised concerns over claims that Indonesian soldiers are allegedly violating border agreements between PNG and Indonesia.

Talks on future of Regional Assistance Mission to Solomons

Updated 14/07/2008 16:17:19

A series of high level meetings have begun in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara to look at the future of the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI.

European Union calls on Fiji to re-engage with Forum

Updated 14/07/2008 16:20:37

The European Union has joined international calls for Fiji's interim government to re-engage with the Pacific Island forum member nations.

Aust Foreign Minister to visit Fiji - first time since 2006 coup

Updated 14/07/2008 16:23:59

In Fiji, delegates are flying in from across the Pacific for the much anticipated Forum Ministerial Contact group meeting.

Pacific Islanders arrive in Sydney for World Youth Day

Updated 14/07/2008 17:11:17

Young people from across the Pacific are gathering in Sydney for the visit of Pope Benedict the 16th and World Youth Day festivities.

Achivements of Solomons PM in first 6 months

Updated 14/07/2008 17:12:55

The Solomon Islands' opposition has indicated that it will use this months sitting of parliament to challenge the current government of Doctor Derek Sikua.

Proposal to build electric cars in Fiji

Updated 11/07/2008 10:13:11

A South Korean company is searching for investors to help build a new assembly plant for electric cars in Fiji.

No EU involvement in latest Fiji sugar deal.

Updated 11/07/2008 10:13:11

Fiji's Sugar Marketing Company has confirmed the European Union has played no part in its deal to export 300 thousand tonnes of sugar to a UK refining company.

Rugby Fan gets five

Updated 11/07/2008 10:20:43

A Fijian Rugby League player with the Penrith Panthers says he's disappointed some fans used racial abuse against him during a game last weekend in Sydney.

Fish catches unreported

Updated 11/07/2008 15:02:52

A major new study has found fish catches from Pacific island nations are vastly under-reported.

Presidential bye-election on Bougainville funded by PNG

Updated 11/07/2008 15:02:52

Papua New Guinea's National government says it will fund a Presidential election for the Autonomous Bougainville region following the death last month of President Joseph Kabui.

Courage award for Solomon Islands woman

Updated 11/07/2008 15:02:52

A Solomon Islands woman has been awarded the United States international woman of courage award.

RAMSI car crash case close to a decision

Updated 11/07/2008 15:02:52

Solomon Islands police have handed over the file of evidence invovling two RAMSI police officers to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garbage piles up in strees of Mt Hagen

Updated 11/07/2008 15:02:52

A dispute over the collection of rates in the Papua New Guinea town of Mt Hagen has left residents in the stink, literally.

Bougainville meeting calls for review of mining deal

Updated 11/07/2008 10:13:10

Participants at today's public forum in Bougainville are calling for a review of the role of the Canadian mining company now in partnership with the Bougainville government.

Study finds fish catches under-reported in the Pacific

Updated 10/07/2008 16:03:35

A major new study has found fish catches from Pacific island nations are vastly under-reported.

Vanuatu withdraws from 10th Festival of Pacific Arts

Updated 10/07/2008 16:07:36

America Samoa's dream of hosting the first Festival of Pacific Arts with all 27 member countries in attendance has ended with the late withdrawal of Vanuatu.

Solomons records increase in official AIDS cases

Updated 10/07/2008 16:10:22

The number of officially recorded cases of H-I-V-Aids in Solomon Islands has now reached 11.

Solomons Minister loses his parliamentary seat

Updated 10/07/2008 16:09:33

In Solomon Islands, the East Honiara member of parliament Charles Dausabea has lost his seat after being jailed for more than 18 months on corruption charges.

Tuvalu looks to cheaper food imports

Updated 10/07/2008 15:55:49

Tuvalu's government, with the assistance of the Secretariat of the South Pacific, is investigating importing food from the Fijian Province closest to its international border.

Criticism of Pacific guest worker scheme in NZ

Updated 10/07/2008 15:59:15

A contractor in New Zealand has criticised a labour scheme which brings workers from the Pacific Islands to the country.

Commonwealth Envoy plan for Fiji

Updated 09/07/2008 15:44:01

RAAcademic Doctor Brij Lal says it's too early to say if the Commonwealth envoy on Fiji, Sir Paul Reeves has been successful in gaining support for an independent political forum.

Palau residents help track fish and coral

Updated 09/07/2008 15:46:31

The people of Palau are being trained to help international scientists track fish and coral species in Micronesia.

Vanuatu wins World Heritage status

Updated 09/07/2008 15:49:30

The chiefly domain of Roi Mata in Vanuatu is the latest site in the Pacific to win world heritage status from the United Nations.

Political forum on Bougaiville gets police approval

Updated 09/07/2008 15:57:00

A non government organisation in Bougainville has now been given permission by police to hold a political forum tomorrow.

Developing nations deadlock on climate change

Updated 09/07/2008 15:53:42

Currently the leaders of the world's biggest economies, the G8 nations, are meeting in Northern Japan.

PNG police warn criminals they will shoot to kill

Updated 09/07/2008 15:59:44

Papua New Guinea police have warned criminals who use police uniforms to commit crime that they will be shot on sight.

Niue says its ready for the Pacific Forum

Updated 09/07/2008 16:41:18

Climate change will be the theme of next month's regional Pacific Forum meeting in Niue.

Austalia and New Zealand included in Ministerial meeting in Fiji

Updated 08/07/2008 17:07:43

The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tonga's prime minister Doctor Fred Sevele says Australia and New Zealand will take part in a Ministerial Contact Group meeting in Fiji.

Australia & NZ included in Ministerial meeting in Fiji

Updated 08/07/2008 12:24:19

RATonga's prime minister Doctor Fred Sevele says Australia and New Zealand will take part in the Ministerial Contact Group meeting in Fiji.

Fiji bans imports of NZ vegetables

Updated 08/07/2008 12:26:45

SRFiji has banned imports of New Zealand potatos, tomatoes and capsicums after the discovery of bacteria in crops in the Auckland area.

Fiji scientist says custom way to manage reefs

Updated 08/07/2008 17:00:37

Nearly three-thousand scientists from around the world, including the Pacific, are meeting in Florida for the International Coral Reef Symposium.

Autonomy bill passed for Indonesia province of Papua

Updated 08/07/2008 17:02:57

srThe Indonesian province of Papua has split into two.

New Fiji publisher says no government problems yet

Updated 08/07/2008 17:05:19

The new publisher of the Fiji Times says he hasn't encountered any pressure from the interim government yet.

PNG police manhunt for bank robbers

Updated 08/07/2008 17:04:57

Papua New Guinea police are on full alert hunting for criminals responsible for an increase in kidnappings and bank robberies in the country.

Dispute deepens over bottled water tax in Fiji

Updated 08/07/2008 17:08:52

RAA dispute over a new tax on bottled water in Fiji has deepened, with the industry's major players stopping production in protest.

Two Pacific sites win world heritage status

Updated 08/07/2008 17:41:00

RATwo new sites in the Pacific have been listed as world heritage sites.

159 die in Cholera outbreak in Papuan highlands

Updated 08/07/2008 17:41:00

Human rights activists say a cholera outbreak in the highlands of Indonesian Papua has left 159 dead and is spreading.

Cheaper international phone calls for PNG

Updated 07/07/2008 13:01:21

SRPeople in Papua New Guinea should be able to make cheaper international calls with faster connectivity when a new undersea fiber optic cable starts working next year.

Niue could become the world's first smoke-free nation

Updated 07/07/2008 13:08:12

Niue is hoping to become the world's first nation to be entirely smoke-free.

Pacific watching Australia's moves on climate change

Updated 07/07/2008 13:33:25

In Australia, Professor Ross Garnaut has released the draft report of his review on climate change.

Fiji interim govt spokesman denies media appointments

Updated 07/07/2008 15:44:55

In Fiji, the spokesman for the interim government has denied accepting a position on the Boards of Fiji Television and the Sun newspaper.

Fiji still to decide on participation in Ministerial meeting

Updated 07/07/2008 15:47:25

The Spokesman for the Fiji interim government Major Neumi Leweni says Fiji is still considering its position on the upcoming Forum Ministerial Contact group meeting.

Former Nauru President Rene Harris dies

Updated 07/07/2008 15:52:51

One of Nauru's most controversial politicans, former President Rene Harris has died after suffering a heart attack .

Solomons celebrates 30th anniversary of independence

Updated 07/07/2008 15:55:33

RASolomon Islands has marked its 30th anniversary and Independence Day with colour and celebrations in the capital Honiara.

Solomons MP begins jail sentence

Updated 07/07/2008 15:57:58

RAProminent Solomon Islands Member of parliament Charles Dausabea has begun a jail sentence in Honiara.

Protest in NZ over crime wave against Asian

Updated 07/07/2008 15:51:31

Ten thousand members of New Zealand's Asian Community marched through the streets of Auckland at the weekend to protest what they say is a crime wave against Asians.

Unreliable air service forces Peace Corp out of Kiribati

Updated 04/07/2008 10:56:06

The American Peace Corp program will end its commitment to Kiribati this year.

US Ambassador to Fiji denies discouraging coup

Updated 04/07/2008 11:12:16

The outgoing American ambassador to Fiji Larry Dinger says he was discouraging a coup and not encouraging a mutiny when he and two other heads of foreign mission visited the army barracks days before the coup of December 2006.

Western Province supports Solomons reaffirmation ceremony

Updated 04/07/2008 11:14:27

RAThe Premier of Solomon Islands' Western Province, Alex Lokopio says he fully supported this week's ceremony in Honiara to reaffirm the country's commitment to peace and unity.

PNG Ombudsman criticised for referring PM for prosecution

Updated 04/07/2008 11:22:09

Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman has been accused of being disrespectful in referring Prime Minister Michael Somare for prosecution over alleged breaches of the leadership code.

Draft blueprint on climate change released in Australia

Updated 04/07/2008 14:41:35

In Canberra today Professor Ross Garnaut, outlined the findings of his review into the affect of Climate Change on Australia.

Police investigate violent attacks in Port Vila

Updated 04/07/2008 14:43:43

RAIn Vanuatu, police are investigating the recent murder of an expatriate woman and the shooting of another in Port Vila.

Commonwealth Envoy outlines agenda for Fiji political forum

Updated 04/07/2008 14:46:28

The Commonwealth envoy on Fiji, former governor general of New Zealand, Sir Paul Reeves says Fiji's proposed political forum may be convened in August this year.

State of economic emergency declared in Marshalls Is

Updated 04/07/2008 14:49:19

The impact of the rising cost of fuel is so dire in Marshall Islands the government has declared a state of economic emergency.

Could Asia Pacfic tap into the 'ring of fire'

Updated 03/07/2008 12:57:37

As high fuel prices continue to affect the economic health of most countries especially those in the Pacific, there's growing interest in exploiting the earth's own geothermal energy.

US Ambassador prepares to leave Fiji for home

Updated 03/07/2008 13:01:42

The United States' top envoy in Fiji is preparing to return to Washington as he completes his three year posting.

Ancient NZ reptile threatened by global warming

Updated 03/07/2008 13:05:09

Global warming is threatening the existence of an ancient New Zealand reptile, described as a 'living fossil'.

Lack of support for cleaning up Solomons capital

Updated 03/07/2008 13:07:27

In the Solomon Islands, the committee organising the annual Cleanup Campaign in Honiara says there's been a lack of support from the government.

1000's of Pacific Islanders head for World Youth Day

Updated 03/07/2008 15:56:09

Around four thousand young people from across the Pacific are coming to Sydney this month to take part in World Youth Day and see the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict the 16th.

Fear parents could be arrested under new law in Vanuatu

Updated 03/07/2008 15:58:57

Smacking is a common way for parents to discipline their children in the Pacific.

Fiji's interim PM intervenes in bus strike

Updated 03/07/2008 16:00:27

Still in Fiji, and a nationwide bus strike ended this morning two hours after it began.

Fiji wants wider consultation by EU

Updated 03/07/2008 16:01:01

Fiji's interim attorney-general has submitted a list of additional names he wants a visiting European Union delegation to consult.

Growing support for proposed Fiji political forum

Updated 03/07/2008 16:03:56

There's growing support in Fiji for a political forum between all political party leaders.

Row in PNG Parliament over Ombudsman Commission

Updated 03/07/2008 16:05:01

There were calls in PNG's parliament today to do away with the Ombudsman Commission.The Commission was attacked in Parliament by the prime minister Sir Michael Somare after it called for an investigation into his failure to submit annual statments as required by the leadership code.

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