May 2007

NZ: Manukau City to help Cook Islands infrastructureAudio

Updated 31/05/2007 12:26:10

The Mayor of Manukau City in New Zealand is going to the Cook Islands to advise the government on getting large scale developments contribute more towards infrastructure. Sir Barry Curtis and his wife will be flying to Rarotonga in July to consult with government officials on how Manukau has managed a similar process. Once councillor has criticised the fact that the two thousand dollar air fare will be paid for by ratepayers, but all other costs will be met by the Cook islands government. This is not the first time the South Auckland municipality has ventured into the area of overseas assistance, and Sir Barry says it s something Australian mayors ought to look at doing too.

NZ: inquiry into death of Samoan woman after power cutAudio

Updated 31/05/2007 15:41:02

There's is a growing sense of outrage in New Zealand over the case of an invalid Samoan woman who died after her power was cut off over an unpaid bill. The mother of four relied on an electrically-powered oxygen machine to assist her breathing. New Zealand's acting Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, has sent her condolences to the family and assured the Pacific community that the government is taking the issue very, very seriously.

TONGA: row over control of rugby union boardAudio

Updated 31/05/2007 15:42:02

Sports and politics are indelibly linked in the Pacific. But what happens when a sports code, such as rugby union, is seen as a tool for influence. That's what's occurred in the kingdom of Tonga, where the island's most influential sport is run by a board committed to the pro-democracy movement. Tongan Rugby Football Union chairman, Sangster Saulala, says a battle is being waged for control of the board. He says a government sponsored faction has called a board meeting for today, but this is not sanctioned by his organisation.

Tonga: No sign of tension at opening of ParliamentAudio

Updated 31/05/2007 15:42:18

Tonga's parliament has reopened, with the King announcing significant changes to the education system. In his speech from the throne, King George Tupou the fifth said the school leaving age will be raised from 14 to 18. As well, most Tongan children will have access to some form of vocational or technical education. Five of the people's representatives in Parliament are currently facing serious charges, including sedition, in connection with their role in November's pro-democracy riots. When the previous session of parliament closed, one of the Noble MPs, Tuipelehake, remained outside in protest, saying he refused to be in the same room as people he described as terrorists and criminals. But Tonga's prime minister, Dr Fred Sevele, told Bruce Hill that today's opening ceremony saw no signs of political tension.

SOLOMONS: Civil society groups to protest over Julian MotiAudioTranscript

Updated 31/05/2007 15:41:37

Solomon Islands main Civil Society groups say they are prepared to hold peaceful protests to try to stop the appointment of Julian Moti at the country's next attorney general. Since Prime Minister Sogavare announced he will be pushing the Public Service Commission to lift its suspension of Mr Moti, Transparency Solomon Islands, The National Council of Women and the Council of Trade Unions have been fighting the move. Now, as well as Mr Moti, the groups are calling on Mr Sogavare to reverse the appointment of Fijian Jahir Khan as Police Commissioner. The spokesman for the group Joses Tuhanuku, who is the Executive Officer of "Transparency Solomon Islands" says despite their concerns the government seems intent on continuing with the unpopular decisions.

SOLOMON IS: Riots inquiry illprepared.Audio

Updated 31/05/2007 15:43:24

In Solomon Islands, the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into last year's Honiara riots, Brian Brunton, says he's disappointed over preparations for the inquiry. The former PNG High Court judge is frustrated at the lack of facilities and staff to enable the commission to begin hearing public submissions. Mr Brunton expressed his disappointment when he had to call off the Commission's first sitting yesterday.

SOLS/PNG: UPNG to open centre in Honiara.Audio

Updated 30/05/2007 15:30:25

The University of Papua New Guinea is to start running a university centre in neighbouring Solomon islands from July. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ross Hynes, says the Honiara campus will be run in collaboration with the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education. He says it will start with certificate courses in tertiary and community studies. Professor Hynes says by 2008 it will be providing a wide range of diploma and degree courses in both art and science programs

FIJI: Beddoes still legal opposition leaderAudio

Updated 30/05/2007 15:30:25

In Fiji, Mick Beddoes says he's still the country's opposition leader. Mr Beddoes claims that if the militatry led government is serious that it continues to recognises the constitution, then legally he remains as the country's opposition leader even without a functioning parliament. A case before the courts brought by ousted Prime Minsiter Laisenia Qarase and members of his SDL party is challenging the legality of the December coup.

INTERNATIONAL: IWC whale moratorium appears safeAudio

Updated 30/05/2007 15:30:25

The annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission is underway in Alaska, and what a difference a year makes. Last year, the pro-whaling camp led by Japan enjoyed its first triumph in 20 years with the passing, by a single vote, of a motion calling for the eventual resumption of commercial whaling. That single vote was allegedly cast by Solomon Islands. But this years meeting is expected to end with a 21-year moratorium on commercial whaling formally still in place despite a symbolic resolution to overturn the ban that was passed at last year's meeting.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition accuse PM of interfering in PNG affairs.Audio

Updated 30/05/2007 15:30:25

The Solomon Islands opposition has accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of interfering in neighbouring Papua New Guinea's internal affairs. Opposition spokesman for finance, Edward Huniehu was commenting on Mr Sogavare's desire to see Sir Michael Somare return as PNG Prime Minister after the upcoming general elections. Mr Huniehu told Sam Seke that the Solomon Islands Prime Minister and government should not interfere, but to be prepared to work with any elected Prime Minister of PNG.

CNMI: Mixed reaction to wage increaseAudio

Updated 30/05/2007 15:30:25

There's been a mixed response in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas to the US Congress' approval of an increase in minimum wages.

PNG: Call for resource projects to be "bulldozed"Audio

Updated 29/05/2007 15:49:13

An Australian academic says resource projects in Papua New Guinea have failed to deliver development to the vast bulk of the population and should be 'bulldozed'. Roderick Duncan is a lecturer at Charles Sturt University and he was speaking at a seminar on PNG in Sydney jointly hosted by the Australian National Univserity and the Lowy Institute for International policy.

PNG: Foreign minister acknowledges corruption problemAudioTranscript

Updated 29/05/2007 15:49:13

The government of Papua New Guinea has been accused of turning a blind eye to allegations of corruption in the Immigration and Citizenship division. It's alleged certain immigration officials receive gifts from foreigners who want work permits, citizenship, passport and visa applications processed quickly. PNG's Citizenship Committee has warned foreigners not to offer bribes to immigration officers. There are only 25 immigration officers to process thousand of applications. PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Paul Tiensten has admitted serious problems exist and wants it to be fixed. However, he has blamed P-N-G's Personnel Management office has not acted on a proposal to increase the staff ceiling to 60.

Fiji: International legal fraternity opposes "intimidation" of lawyersAudioTranscript

Updated 29/05/2007 15:49:13

Another international law association has voiced its disapproval of what it describes as the intimidation of Fiji's legal and media practioners.
This follows the detention over the weekend of Ratu Savenaca Komaisavai and Kitione Vuataki, two of the lawyers representing the Great Council of Chiefs' legal challenge against its suspension. As well, another of the lawyers involved, Janet Mason has left Fiji, citing intimidation.
In March the association which represents lawyers in Asia and the Pacific, "Law Asia", sent a mission to Fiji to investigate the state of the judiciary, and the conditions facing lawyers. When informed of the weekend's events, it said stories like this were the last thing it wanted to hear. Now, as Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, the International Commission of Jurists has weighed in.

NZ: Embattled Pacific islands MP claims innocence over bribery chargesAudio

Updated 29/05/2007 15:49:13

New Zealand's first ever Pacific islands MP is vowing to fight corruption charges which have seen his career derailed. Police have announced they will seek High Court permission to prosecute former Cabinet Minister Taito Phillip Field on 14 charges, including bribery. He's has been accused of giving immigration assistance to Thai overstayers who worked on his properties in New Zealand and Samoa for little or no pay. The scandal led to Mr Field leaving the ruling Labour Party and sitting as an independent MP for the mainly Polynesian electorate of Mangere in South Auckland. Phillip Field says he still intends to set up a political party which will represent the Christian values of New Zealand's Pacific islands community, and denies he's done anything wrong.

ASAMOA: new market to built in FagatogoAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 10:52:38

American Samoa's economy is set to benefit from a new market in Fagatogo on Pago Pago Harbour. The United States Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration has provided two-point-one- million US dollars for the project. President of the Chamber of Commerce, David Robinson says the Fagatogo town centre has needed an upgrade for many years and it will complement the harbour development project.

PACIFIC: regional journalists told to be more effectiveAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 10:54:14

The region's Journalists have been told their impact on developing economies is not as effective as it should be. Two speakers well qualified to discuss this year's theme at the PINA covention - "The Role of Pacific Media in Economic Gowth" are the former and current Governors of Solomon Islands Central Bank. In their respective presentations, Tony Hughes and Rick Hoe both agreed that the region's journalists should be less passive in their coverage of economic issues.

SOLOMONS:SIBC News Editor describes threats during ethnic tensionsAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 10:55:36

The News Editor of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corproation Walter Nalangu described his experiences during the ethnic tensions.

PACIFIC: media organisation elects new executiveAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 10:57:57

The main media organisation in the Pacific has a new executive. The Pacific Islands News Association biennial general meeting was held on the weekend, at the Maravagi Resort in Solomon Islands. The CEO of Papua New Guinea's National Broadcasting Corporation was elected unanimously. The new vice president is Jonas Cullwick from Vanuatu. Other members of the executive board include Moses Stevens and Antoine Malsumgai, also from Vanuatu - along with Matai Akauolo from Fiji and Cherelle Jackson from Samoa.

SOLOMON IS: Traumatised people shaken againAudioTranscript

Updated 28/05/2007 12:12:24

The already traumatised people of tsunami affected areas of Solomon Islands Western Province, have been shaken again by another earthquake. The Premier of Western Province, Alex Lokopio says many people started heading for the hills when a tremor of almost magnitude six shook the islands. Mr Lokopio says while there are no reports of any physical damage, the issue is mostly psychological.

NZ: Tuvala and Kiribati urged to vote against whalingAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 15:34:41

The New Zealand government is hoping Tuvalu and Kiribati will be persuaded to drop their support for Japan when they vote on issues at the annual International Whaling Commission meeting in Alaska this week. Last year Tuvalu, Kiribati and Solomon Islands supported Japan's bid for a resumption of commercial whaling in return for aid worth millions of dollars. However the proposal did not get the support required to go ahead. New Zealand Conservation Minister, Chris Carter says at this week's meeting he's also hoping Japan can be persuaded to cancel its plans to kill 50 humpback whales, as part of its scientific program.

FIJI: Law Asia concerned at detention of lawyersAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 15:36:17

The organisation which represents legal practioners in Asia, and the Pacific "Law Asia" says the reports of lawyers being detained, is the last thing it wants to hear out of Fiji. In March, Law Asia sent a mission to Fiji to look at the health of the legal system since the coup. The news about the detention of the legal team representing the Great Council of Chiefs comes as the President of Law Asia, Mah Weng Qwai, accepts the position of Commissioner for Fiji's Anti Corruption Commision.

Fiji: Justice Minister denies intimidation of lawyersAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 15:44:05

Fiji's interim Justice Minister is denying that lawyers are being intimidated. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaium says Janet Mason is blowing things out of proportion.

Fiji: Lawyer alleges intimidation of legal professionAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 15:45:11

A New Zealand-based lawyer has left Fiji after masked men broke into her home in Lautoka and stole a laptop computer containing documents on a sensitive court case. Janet Mason is working with the Great Council of Chiefs on a challenge to the legality of Fiji's interim government. Two other lawyers working with her on the case, Kitone Vuataki and Ratu Savenaca Komaisavai, have been detained my the military. Janet Mason is now back in Wellington, and says although she has no proof the break-in was connected to the case she was working on, it is clear that lawyers in Fiji are being intimidated.

PNG: two tribes clash in Western Highlands over administratorAudio

Updated 28/05/2007 15:48:46

Two tribes of knife-wielding clansmen have clashed in Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands over the appointment of the province's top public servant. Officials say two men have life-threatening injuries from wounds suffered in the fight in the provincial capital, Mt Hagen. The clash was sparked by a National Court ruling on Friday which reinstated Malcolm Culligan and revoked former administrator Michael Wandil. Police say they fear more trouble could seriously affect next month's general election.

FIJI: Christians. Hindus positive about religious educationAudio

Updated 25/05/2007 10:51:59

Fiji's main faith communities have cautiously welcomed a government plan to introduce religious education in schools. Fiji's interim education minister, Netani Sukanaivalu, says this will take the form of morning prayers, religious programs during lunchtime and extracurricular activities. Christian and Hindu leaders think the plan is basically a good one, although as Bruce Hill reports, they want to see the details.

PNG: Amnesty criticises law and order in new reportAudio

Updated 25/05/2007 10:57:34

Papua New Guinea's law and order problems have come under the international spotlight again, this time in Amnesty International 's Human Rights report for 2007. The Human Rights watchdog has criticised the conduct of PNG police. It also questions the failure of the justice system to hold police accountable for acts of violence and the mistreatment of women, including rape. Amnesty International has also highlighted the failure of police to deal with violence and criminal behaviour in the Western and Southern Highlands and Bougainville.

SOLOMONS: Former PM Ulufa'alu diesAudioTranscript

Updated 25/05/2007 14:58:11

The former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu has died. Mr Ulufa'alu had suffered diabetes and heart problems for several years, which in 2004 forced surgeons in Australia to amputate his leg. Prime Minister from 1997 til 2000, Mr Ulufa'alu was the founder of the Solomon Islands Liberal Party. But it was his bravery during the 2000 coup that many say they'll remember.

SOLOMONS: Acting PM pays tribute to Ulufa'aluAudio

Updated 25/05/2007 15:49:46

Acting Solomons Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says Bartholomew Ulufa'alu passed away today.

FIJI: journalists describe intimidation by governmentAudioTranscript

Updated 25/05/2007 15:48:13

A delegation of journalists from Fiji has described being intimidated by Fiji's military led government. At the Pacific Islands News Association conference in Solomon Islands, they've told of receiving phone calls from the military demanding their presence at the Queen Elizabeth barracks. The manager of News, current affairs and sport at Fiji Television, Netani Rika, has told Geraldine Coutts how he was called to the barracks.

FIJI: Call to protect Fijian mercenariesAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 10:41:33

A United Nations Working Group is calling on Fiji to develop legislation to protect the human rights of Fijians employed overseas as mercenaries. Delegates from the group recently visited Fiji to research the working conditions of Fijians employed by private security firms in countries such as Iraq. The UN says it's concerned that some Fijians have signed work contracts which have proved to be fraudulent. The Director of Fiji's Human Rights Commission, Shaista Shameem is also a member of the UN working group on the use of mercenaries. She says her brief does not include Fiji to ensure the UN's findings are independent, but she will be involved with consolations on other nations. However Dr Shameem has provided information to the delegation in her role with the Human Rights Commission.

SOLOMON IS:High economic growth based on unsustainable loggingAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 10:42:32

With its years of ethnic conflict behind it, Solomon Islands economy is now powering ahead. Latest figures from the Solomon Islands government and the International Monetary Fund show economic growth in 2007 will exceed the already rosy forecasts made in the budget in February. Even though growth is expected to be between five and a half and six per cent in 2007, the IMF is warning that for growth to continue major structural change is needed.

Fiji: NZ Indo-Fijian leader condemns India coup stanceAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 10:43:34

India's support of Fiji in the wake of the coup has been condemned by an Indo-Fijian community leader in New Zealand.
Vice president of the Fiji Indian Association in New Zealand, Salim Singh, says the pledge by India's prime minister, Dr Manmohan Sight to continue assistance to Fiji is despicable. Mr Singh told Bruce Hill that although the Indo-Fijian community in New Zealand is divided on the coup, many have made private representations to the Indian government that it should not help a government which was installed illegally.

Fiji: Reporters sans Frontiers supports Fiji bloggersAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 15:02:41

An international media freedom organisation is offering to host controversial anti-government websites in Fiji, known as blogs, if the military manages to shut them down. Reporters Sans Frontiers, a group headquartered in France which defends journalists, has offered to host blogs on its own site .. out of the reach of Fiji's military. Fiji's military which had been unsuccessfully hunting for the bloggers has now announced it has dropped all investigations into the internet sites.
The head of Reporters sans Frontiers Asia desk, Vincent Brossel, says his organisation is also taking up the cause of Fiji's bloggers with the European Union.

SOLOMONS: RAMSI head says staying till job is doneAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 15:02:41

The head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, Tim George, says RAMSI will not leave the Solomon Islands until the job is finished. He was addressing a number of issues causing tensions between RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government at a lunch for the Pacific Island News Association.

PNG:Central Bank Governor says growth of 6-7% neededAudio

Updated 24/05/2007 15:08:52

Papua New Guinea's Central Bank Governor, Wilson Kamit, says PNG must achieve economic growth of around six to seven per cent a year if the benefits of the mining boom are to be felt by the great majority of the population. Mr Kamit made the remarks while launching the annual report of the PNG Sustainable Development Program. Such high growth rates are rare in the Pacific but Governor Kamit is confident, after PNG's strong economic performance in the past five years, they are attainable.

Fiji: Tourism downturn cuts Air Pacific flightsAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 10:50:14

The downturn in Fiji tourist numbers in the wake of December's military coup has seen the country's national carrier, Air Pacific, cut the number of flights to and from overseas destinations. The airline experienced a 15 per cent drop in passenger numbers in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year. That's led to a decision to reduce the number of flights to cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Tokyo. The Chief Executive Officer of Air Pacific John Campbell told Bruce Hill the downturn has also meant an end to the company's plan to expand its services, although he's not contemplating staff layoffs.

SOLOMON IS: Former Finance Minister jailed for official corruptionAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 10:52:07

A former Solomon Islands Finance Minister has lost his parliamentary seat after being sentenced to 20 months in jail for official corruption. The Honiara Magistrates Court found Francis Zama guilty of corruptly obtaining about four-thousand US dollars in duty exemptions when he was finance minister under the former Kemakeza government. The Magistrate has already reduced Zama's sentence from 24 months, but he's currently out on bail pending his appeal.

AMERICA SAMOA: 16 cases of Dengue fever reportedAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 10:53:08

American Samoa is coping with an outbreak of Dengue fever with 16 cases being reported so far this year. The Department of Health has urged people take protective measures in a hope to avoid a repeat of the 2001 outbreak where over 400 people were infected.

Fiji: SDL politician alleges assault by militaryAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 11:05:54

The acting director of Fiji's ousted SDL Party, Ted Young, alleges he was assaulted by a military officer during an interrogation session at the military barracks in Suva. The Fiji Military Forces had previously said it would halt its practice of interrogating civilians at the barracks, but there have been several instances recently in which that pledge appears to have been broken. The SDL Party has lodged a complaint with the police, but says it has no confidence in the Fiji Human Rights Commission.

PNG: Diaster experts checking volcano reportsAudioTranscript

Updated 23/05/2007 15:53:34

Papua New Guinea disaster officials are still trying to make their way to a small island off the north east coast of P-N-G, after reports that rising seas have swept away several houses. Locals claim a small volcano erupted causing the sea to rise dramatically. Officials say they have received reports that up to two thousand people fled to higher ground after several houses and a boat were destroyed by huge waves.

Fiji: EPG Chair warns Fiji against human rights abuse allegationsAudioTranscript

Updated 23/05/2007 15:54:41

The chair of the Pacific Island Forum Eminent Persons Group on Fiji has warned the interim government to halt alleged abuses of human rights. Sato Kilman, who is also Vanuatu's foreign minister, says allegations of people being taken to military barracks and assaulted at the hands of the military, are disturbing. The Eminent Persons Group has set up a technical working group, which is due to submit a report on Fiji's plans to return to democracy at the end of next month. The group will then report back to the Forum foreign ministers. Sato Kilman says if the media reports about the behaviour of Fiji's military are true, it doesn't show good faith on the part of the interim government.

PAC: Freedom of Information on PINA agendaAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 15:50:22

Freedom of information and the right to access information is very much on the agenda at the Pacific Islands News Association conference underway in Solomon Islands. The theme for this year's convention is the role of the media in economic growth. One of today's speakers, Cecilia Burgman, Consultant, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, based in Delhi India, says that poor policy is very much a product of limited access to good information. Geraldine Coutts is in Honiara for PINA and Ms Burgman told her that the media in the Pacific has the job ahead of it in gaining the right to freedom of speech and information.

AUST: NSW v Queensland in State of OriginAudio

Updated 23/05/2007 16:18:41

If you're a Rugby League fan, then tonight marks what is probably your favourite time of the year. At Lang Park in Brisbane, for the 27th year Queensland will take on New South Wales in State of Origin football. And as Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, while the game is loved in Australia, it ignites real passion in Papua New Guinea.

AUST: Policy must help Pacific nations from failingAudio

Updated 22/05/2007 11:15:22

Australia's Defence Minister says Australian policy must help save South Pacific nations from becoming failed states. Dr Brendan Nelson says Australia must respond to what's defined as the "arc of instability" running from East Timor into the Southwest Pacific. He's told the Liberal Party think tank, the Menzies Research Centre, that Australia must keep a watchful eye on the stability of Papua New Guinea.

VANUATU; mourning for Catholic BishopAudio

Updated 22/05/2007 11:15:53

The International and Pacific Catholic community is mourning the death of Vanuatu's Catholic Bishop, Michel Visi. Monsignor Visi was only 52 and died suddenly over the weekend. He played a significant role in attempting to address corruption in the Pacific and was a past Chair of the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation. Bishop Visi also was involved in attempting to resolve the tribal conflict, which lead to an outbreak of violence on the outskirts of Port Vila, in March this year.
The head of Caritas Australia Jack de Groot says he was a humble leader.

Fiji: Hotels want emergency regulations lifted to boost tourismAudio

Updated 22/05/2007 11:17:21

There's been a drop in the number of tourists travelling to Fiji since last December's coup, prompting a call for a relaxation of security measures imposed after the military coup. The Reserve Bank of Fiji's recent economic review revealed tourist arrivals fell by seven per cent in January, while the hotel occupancy rates averaged 31 per cent in March. Tourism sector leaders want the government to do what it takes to get foreign nations to lift their travel advisory notices, in an attempt to persuade tourists that Fiji is a safe destination.

FIJI: UN backs down on Fiji peacekeepersAudio

Updated 22/05/2007 11:19:00

The United Nations has backed down on a threat to stop using Fijian soldiers as peacekeepers. The New Zealand online news service Scoop has completed an investigation into the UN's position on Fiji, after its former Secretary General stated that a coup would mean an end to Fijiian contributions to its peacekeeping. As our Pacific correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, it appears the UN has done a complete backflip on that position in a move that is sure to anger Australia and New Zealand.

SOLS:New Police Commissioner sees no problems with his appointmentAudioTranscript

Updated 22/05/2007 15:15:51

The newly appointed Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan of Fiji says he does not see anything wrong with his appointment. Mr Khan was reacting to criticism of his appointment and recent swearing in. The Police and Prison Services Commission has stated that while the appointment was constitutional, it was not procedural. But speaking from Suva, Mr Khan says he's confident his appointment by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was legal. And contrary to claims by the commission that the position was not advertised, Mr Khan has told Sam Seke that it was.

SOLOMONS: Media Association sets exit date for RAMSIAudioTranscript

Updated 22/05/2007 15:18:32

The organisation which represents Solomon Islands' media has told the review of RAMSI, the mission should finish by 2013. The exit date was included in a submission made by the "Media Association of Solomon Islands" to the preliminary review of the regional assistance mission, held earlier this month in Honiara. The MASI submission was the only one made to the review committee which set an exit date. But as Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, since the details became public the association has tried to downplay its statement.

Fiji: Blogs vs military conflict now internationalAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 11:01:22

The battle between Fiji's military and the anonymous bloggers behind anti-government websites has gone global. There are reports that the interim government has brought in experienced computer hackers from India's high-tech centre of Bangalore to try to identify the cyber activists. But the bloggers have brought in international support of their own. They're getting technical assistance from the Electronic Freedom Foundation and international publicity through the internet-based free speech support network, Global Voices. Ethan Zuckerman, from Global Voices, told Bruce Hill the Fiji military's attempts to shut down blogs are a familiar tactic, but they won't work.

SOLOMONS: Row over appointment of new Police CommAudioTranscript

Updated 21/05/2007 11:01:22

A row has broken out over the appointment of a new Police Commissioner in Solomon Islands with claims that proper procedures were not followed. Acting Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo wants a tribunal to review the performance of the Police and Prison Services Commission in the appointment of Jahir Khan of Fiji. Mr Khan replaces Australian Shane Castles, who was declared an undesirable immigrant following a probe into the government's role in allowing lawyer Julian Moti into the country.

PNG: Signs fishing agreement with JapanAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 11:02:49

After a 19 year hiatus Papua New Guinea has renewed its fishing agreement with Japan. Disagreement over the amount of the levy Japan should pay and the size of catch it could take are the reasons for the protracted negotiations. Already Japanese tuna fishing vessels have set sail for the PNG waters fishing for tuna for the lucrative sushi market. Acting managing director of PNG's National Fisheries Authority Sylvester Pokajam says further negotiations are required to sort out differences over high seas fishing. But for now Mr Pokajam says they are happy with the terms of the new agreement.

SOLOMON IS: Big cleanup campaign launched for HoniaraAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 11:04:58

The Solomon Islands capital Honiara has launched a campaign to clean up its image as one of the dirtiest cities in the region. As part of the move, the council has warned Honiara residents and businesses to remove all hard rubbish on their premises by the fourth of June. Environmentalist and Honiara city councillor Lawrence Makili spoke to Evan Wasuka at the launch of the clean-up campaign.

SAMOA: burial of paramount chiefAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 13:32:48

In Samoa the process to appoint a new head of state is underway following the burial of the Pacific island nation's long-serving and much loved paramount chief. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili the second died who died on May 11
aged 95 was the last of the generation of elder statesmen who guided Pacific states through the challenging transition to independence. Peter Lewis travelled to the Samoan capital for his funeral on Saturday for Pacific Beat.

PACIFIC: ACP members confident of agreement by deadlineAudioTranscript

Updated 21/05/2007 16:45:48

Pacific islands who are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific trade bloc are optimistic they will reach an economic partnership agreement with the European Union by the end of December. That is the deadline set by the World Trade Organisation in which the waiver, that offers ACP countries preferential access and duty into Europe, expires. At the end of their week long meeting in Fiji on Friday, the trade ministers of the Pacific said negotiations with the EU needed to redouble.

SOLOMON IS: Moti's Lawyer defends him against civil society.Audio

Updated 21/05/2007 16:47:42

The legal counsel for suspended Solomon Islands attorney general, Julian Moti says he's outraged at the latest barrage of public statements against his client. Charles Ashley's comments follow a joint statement by Solomon Islands civil society groups against Mr Moti's appointment. They include the Council of Trade Unions, the National Council of Women, Christian Association, Transparency Solomon Islands and the umbrella body of NGO's in the country. But Mr Ashley says certain individuals are hiding behind these organisations and conducting an unlawful and unchristian campaign to vilify and demonise Mr Moti.

Fiji: Minister warns of dark side of blogsAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 16:49:35

Fiji's Justice Minister has criticised the writers of anonymous websites who he says are making vile, untrue accusations while hiding their identity and claiming to be champions of free speech. Fiji's military says it is attempting to shut down the websites, known as blogs, and hunt down the people behind them. A network of bloggers in Fiji is using the anonymity offered by the internet to oppose the military coup. They now have the support of international organisations concerned with protecting free speech. But Fiji's Justice Minister and attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says people need to be aware of the very real dark side of the blogs.

PNG: Police warn candiates to campaign peacefullyAudio

Updated 21/05/2007 16:52:53

Papua New Guinea police have warned candidates to campaign peacefully and not to clash with supporters of rival candidates in the run up to next month's general election. The warning comes after a man was arrested and charged with wilfully damaging a rival candidate's poster.

AUST:new approach to military crisesAudio

Updated 18/05/2007 12:35:02

The Australian Defence Force says warning times about threats and possible crises in the region are getting shorter. The Australian Defence Force has released a guide to military operations in the 21st century, pointing to the way emergencies can arise with little or no warning. From Canberra, Graeme Dobell reports on a new Australian approach to the way threats might arise.

SOLOMON IS: Riot inquiry begins gathering evidenceAudio

Updated 18/05/2007 12:34:42

The Commission of Inquiry into the riots in the Solomon Islands capital in April 2006 has begun gathering evidence. But the inquiry will not initially examine who was responsible. One of the Commissioners, lawyer Charles Levo says the questions of the perpetrators will be addressed at a later stage. The other commissioners include former PNG High Court judge, Brian Brunton, former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Noel Levi of PNG and a former Solomon Islands politician, Waeta-Ben Tabusasi. Sam Seke asked Mr Levo the purpose of the inquiry.

NZ: Pacific Islanders & Maori in joint anti-whaling protestAudio

Updated 18/05/2007 12:38:07

Representatives from New Zealand's Maori and main Pacific island communities have cooperated in a joint anti-whaling protest. A delegation representing the Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian communities, and the Maori Ngati Awa tribe have handed a diplomatic protest letter to the Japanese embassy in Wellington. They're calling on Japan to allow Pacific nations to protect whales and to halt its scientific research harvesting of humpback whales. The Chairman of the Tongan Advisory Council, Melino Maka says the protest is simply one more way that Pacific Islanders and Maori are cooperating in New Zealand.

SAMOA: Last Respects for head of StateAudio

Updated 18/05/2007 12:39:24

This morning in Samoa the people of the island nation will begin to farewell their leader since independance. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili the second died last week in Samoa, aged 94.

PNG: no sign of improving relations with AustAudio

Updated 18/05/2007 15:52:27

Diplomatic relations between Australia and Papua New Guinea are still strained more than six months on from the Julian Moti affair. The bi-lateral relationship collapsed when wanted lawyer Julian Moti avoided extradition to Australia by being flown to the Solomon Islands onboard a PNG Defence Force plane. Canberra is refusing to co-operate with the PNG Government until an investigation into the Moti escape is made public. But as Steve Marshall reports there's no sign of that happening anytime soon, if at all.

PNG: DDT used to combat malaria outbreakAudio

Updated 17/05/2007 10:38:28

Officials in Papua New Guinea have begun using the insecticide DDT to combat an outbreak of malaria in the eastern Highlands. Fourteen people have died from the disease in the province in the past month. The World Health Organisation recently overturned a 30 year ban on the use of DDT. It's approved the spraying of the chemical on house walls to stop the indoor transmission of malaria. Steve Hassett asked Doctor Nigel Beebe a Senior Research Fellow in Vector Biology at the University Technology of Sydney, if there are health concerns about using DDT.

SOLOMON IS: Lawsuit against govt and RAMSIAudioTranscript

Updated 17/05/2007 10:44:56

A Honiara law firm is planning to take legal action against the Solomon Islands government and the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI. Director of A&A Legal firm, Charles Ashley says his company is representing a number of Solomon Islanders who claim their constitutional rights have been breached. Mr Ashley says they include the two men who were acquitted last week of the murder of Australian peacekeeper, Adam Dunning in Honiara in 2005.

FIJI: New advisory body to sort out Fiji's coup cultureAudio

Updated 17/05/2007 10:46:01

Fiji's interim government is under increasing pressure to return to democratic rule. The EU wants the state of emergency lifted and elections held within the next two years but with emergency provisions set to be extended, the military led government does not appear to be bowing to the EU's demands. With millions of dollars of EU aid at stake, concerned citizens want to form a National Advisory Council to address the reasons behind Fiji's coup culture. The idea for the Council was floated at the at the EU's meeting in Brussels in February this year. Rev Akuila Yabaki, Executive-Director of the Citizens Constitutional Forum says his NGO was among the first to be consulted about the the new Council.

FIJI: Push on for fourth GCC confederacy in BaAudio

Updated 17/05/2007 16:00:54

The long running debate over the push for a split within one of the Great Council of Chief's three confederacy's gained impetus this week. Burebasaga Confederacy in Ba the largest of Fiji's 14 provinces wants to form a fourth confederacy. Members of President Ratu Josefa Iloilo's Ba confederacy feel insulted by the Great Council of Chiefs failure to support the Presidents nomination of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as vice president and want to form a fourth confederacy. The council was suspended by the interim Government for failing to uphold the Presidents nomination for vice-president. Dr Brij Lal who is visiting Fiji from the Australian National University says this is not the first time that politics has sparked talk of a split in Ba.

FIJI: Cuba offers help to another Pacific nationAudioTranscript

Updated 17/05/2007 16:00:54

Since the coup in December last year, many countries around the world have tried to distance themselves from Fiji. But one country has offered a helping hand and that country is Cuba, one of the world's remaining socialist nations. And what it's offering is its doctors.

AUST: veterans honoured who served in PNG in WW2Audio

Updated 16/05/2007 12:18:36

Soldiers who served in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War - both Australians and Papua New Guineans - have been honoured at the Australian War Memorial. Plaques acknowledging the contribution of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles, the Australian New Guinea Administration Unit and the Pacific Islands Regiment have been unveiled in Canberra. For 60 years their contribution has received little acknowledgment. But, as Steve Holland reports, their legacy is now set in stone:

PNG: 40 prisoners escape from prisonAudio

Updated 16/05/2007 15:49:09

Police in Papua New Guinea fear nearly 40 hardcore prisoners who've escaped from jail in the Western Highlands may not be recaptured. Only three prison officers were guarding 600 inmates in the jail when 42 prisoners dashed for freedom after cutting the jail locks. Two have been recaptured while the other 39 are still at large. In January this year another 30 prisoners escaped from the same prison.

PACIFIC: PINA President to miss Honiara conferenceAudioTranscript

Updated 16/05/2007 15:54:41

The president of the Pacific Island News Association says he will not attend the association's biannual conference in Honiara next week. The Managing Director of the PNG's EM-TV, Ken Clark was appointed as president of PINA at its last conference in Tonga in 2005. A Canadian by birth, Mr Clark was the first expatriate to be elected to the office. But critics says the association has floundered in the past two years. Mr Clark has business commitments in the United States, which mean he won't be in Honiara.

PACIFIC:archaeological findings relevant to climate changeAudio

Updated 16/05/2007 15:58:10

People and climate change have been having a major impact on marine resources in the Pacific for thousands of years. That is just one of the conclusions of the final report on archaeological work done at the 3000 year old Naitabale site, on Moturiki Island, in Fiji.
Many of the findings of the report have implications for the way we respond to current day environmental threats. Patrick Nunn, Professor of Oceanic Geoscience, will present the full results of the report at a public lecture at the University of the South Pacific in Suva tonight.

Tonga: PM says Chinese aid doesn't mean Chinese influenceAudioTranscript

Updated 16/05/2007 15:50:41

Tonga's prime minister says China's agreement to provide millions of dollars in aid won't give Beijing any extra political influence. Dr Fred Sevele recently returned from a trip to China, in which Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to provide a soft loan to help rebuild Nukualofa, which was badly damaged in a pro-democracy riot last year. Tonga was asking for 55 million US dollars, and although the Chinese have agreed in principle, the details and exact amount of the loan are still being worked out by officials. Prime Minister, Dr Fred Sevele, says the Chinese help is very welcome, but it won't mean they'll gain extra influence over Tonga.

PNG:Crisis with resource industry work permitsAudioTranscript

Updated 16/05/2007 16:43:36

A crisis over the issuing of work permits in Papua New Guinea has the PNG Chamber of Commerce warning that if something is not done soon companies may be forced to stand-down workers. The crisis comes as the mining and resources industry world-wide is facing serious skills shortages that are making it difficult to attract and keep experienced staff. The Chamber of Commerce is calling on the PNG government to increase staff in key ministries and in the short-term, allow companies to bridge the gap, using business visas.

Fiji: Military cracking down on anti-government websitesAudioTranscript

Updated 16/05/2007 16:41:31

A Fiji businessman accused of being an anti-government blogger has been taken to the military barracks in Suva for questioning for the second time in five days. The President of the Fiji Indigenous Business Council, Ulai Taoi, was taken away by soldiers on Tuesday morning, but released shortly afterwards. Bruce Hill reports, Fiji's military seem to be taking a harder line against the anonymous people behind anti-government websites.

Tonga: Report alleges prisoner abuse by security forcesAudioTranscript

Updated 15/05/2007 16:45:50

A new report in Tonga has alleged large-scale abuse of people picked up by the security forces in the wake of the November riot last year. A community taskforce interviewed 84 detainees and inmates about their treatment in custody, and has published a report describing beatings, being forced to wear handcuffs for long periods, threats and intimidation, mainly at the hands of the Tongan military. The rioting left much of central Nukualofa destroyed, and several high profile people, including members of parliament, are facing trial on serious charges including sedition, for their alleged roles in the event. One of the members of the taskforce, Betty Blake, says there were very serious abuses on human rights by the security forces in the aftermath of the riot, and she hopes the report will prompt the Tongan government to take some action.

VANUATU; New agriculture minister appointedAudio

Updated 15/05/2007 17:45:34

In Vanuatu, the Prime Minister Ham Lini has appointed a new minister for agriculture. He is Donna Brounie from the Vanuatu Republican party. He replaces Marcelino Pipite who was sacked last week for not taking the government line in the appointment of a municipal council.

PAC: Aust to spend $25-million fighting malariaAudio

Updated 15/05/2007 15:46:58

Australia is to spend an extra 25-million dollars fighting malaria in the Pacific. The four-year project has been announced by Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer. It will see 14-million dollars go to Solomon Islands and six-million dollars to Vanuatu. The remaining five-million dollars will be invested in malaria research. Professor Sir Richard Feachem has been appointed chairman of the Malaria Reference Group.

NZ: Pacific nuclear test veterans welcome study findingsAudio

Updated 15/05/2007 15:47:10

Veterans involved in British bomb tests in the Pacific have welcomed the findings of a study that shows a probable link between their exposure to nuclear radiation and genetic damage. Now they want authorities to carry out further tests to find out if they passed on health problems to their children as New Zealand correspondent Peter Lewis reports.

SAMOA: nation in mourningAudio

Updated 15/05/2007 12:51:09

Samoa is in mourning for the late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili Le Lua, who died last Friday aged 94. Malietoa had been Samoa's Head of State since Independence in 1962 - a reign that lasted 45 years. Regional journalist and author on Pacific affairs, Michael Field, worked in Samoa in the 1970's with both Malietoa and the man likely to succeed him as Head of State.

FIJI: hockey qualifiers moved because of security concernsAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:42:55

Fiji has lost the womens Olympic hockey qualifiers because of security concerns. Australia will now host both the mens and womens Oceania Olympic qualifying tournaments in Brisbane, in September. The sport's international body changed the venue after travel advisories from the Australian and New Zealand governments. Fiji Hockey Federation president Dr Robin Mitchell says he's not surprised.

NZ: calls to abolish appeals to the Privy CouncilAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:44:46

There are renewed calls for New Zealand to re-consider its decision to abolish appeals to Britain's Privy Council. This follows a damning finding in the case of convicted multiple murderer David Bain.In possibly one of the last appeals of its kind, the Privy Council, acting at the last court of appeal in the case, quashed Bain's conviction for murdering five members of his family in Dunedin 12 years ago.They found David Bain had been the victim of a substantial miscarriage of justice.

FIJI: national census to be held in JuneAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:53:50

Fiji's interim government is putting the finishing touches to arrangements for the National census which is scheduled for 24th June. Held every 10 years, this year's census is already a year overdue - the last one was held in 1996. Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the information provided by the census will provide a better understanding of poverty levels and income distribution. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also believes a better understanding of the country's demographics will help define more equitable constituency boundaries.

Guam: Governor welcomes WWII compensation billAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:55:11

Guam's governor has welcomed moves to have the US government compensate Guamaians for atrocities committed by the Japanese during World War Two. Felix Camacho says he has worked closely with the island's Congresswoman, Madeleine Bordallo, in her efforts to table a bill in the US House of representatives which would see Guamaians who suffered at the hands of the Japanese occupiers awarded compensation at the same level as other US citizens.

SAMOA: national mourning declared after death of KingAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:56:58

A state of national mourning has been declared across Samoa as the country honours the head of state Malietoa Tanumafili the Second who has died in hospital at the age of 94. His Highness Malietoa had been ill for some time. Editor of the Samoa Observer Keni Lesa says the world's oldest national leader, had led Samoa since independence in 1962.

NAURU: Debate continues over constitutionAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 11:51:46

Nauru is halfway through a six week constitutional convention. Up to the 1990's, Nauru's people were amongst the wealthiest in the world, a wealth fuelled by is phosphate reserves. But now the phosphate's close to depleted and due to mismanagement by successive governments, the wealth has completely disappeared. One of the reasons identified for this is a lack of safeguards in the country's constitution, written when it gained independence in 1968. Last year public meetings were held to gather submissions and suggestions about changes to the constitution. Amongst them stricter financial control, a more independent judiciary and the election of the country's president by national vote. Over the past three weeks 36 delegates have been debating those and other changes, and will do so for another three.

SOLOMON IS: MP's in murder conspiracy trialAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 16:43:32

In Solomon Islands, the trial of two members of parliament and a former leader of the Maliata Eagle Force on charges of conspiracy to commit murder has opened in the Honiara High Court. East Honiara MP Charles Dausabea, Central Honiara MP Nelson Ne'e, and Alex Bartlett are charged with conspiring to murder former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza and three members of his Cabinet. The plot allegedly took place five days before the election of Snyder Rini as prime Minister which triggered the riots in April last year.

Fiji: Businessman interrogated by militaryAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 16:43:46

A Fiji businessman who claims he was interrogated and abused by the army at the weekend says they had the wrong man. Ulai Taoi, President of the Fiji Indigenous Business Council, was picked up by soldiers and taken to the Queen Elizabeth barracks in Suva on Friday night, under suspicion of being anonymous blogger, "Fijian Black". He says he's forgiven the soldiers for the treatment of him, but questions why the military are still detaining and interrogating civilians, despite their earlier promise to halt the practice. Mr Taoi says he reads some of the independent blogs which have been speaking out against the military, but he'd not the blogger the army is hunting.

SAMOA: State funderal for His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili IIAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 16:43:54

His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili the second who served as Samoa's Head of State for nearly 50 years died in hospital in Apia on Friday night. Malietoa was referred to as the father of all Samoans and his low key manner endeared him to Samoans everywhere. Malietoa was revered widely as his island nation's stabilising figure in the post independence years.

AUST: Canberra and Honiara exchange over MotiAudio

Updated 14/05/2007 16:43:39

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Australia's Foreign Minister are exchanging more words over the Julian Moti affair. Manasseh Sogavare has told Alexander Downer to "put up or shut up" - to produce more evidence in support of its extradition request for Mr Moti, the lawyer Mr Sogavare wants to make Attorney General of the Solomons.

Marshall Islands: Anti-nuke activists launch on-line petitionAudio

Updated 11/05/2007 10:48:46

Marshall Island activists living in Hawaii have launched an on-line petition aimed at getting the US government to increase the compensation offered to those affected by nuclear tests. A total of 67 tests of atomic weapons were carried out in the Marshall Islands in the 1940s and 50s, resulting in some atolls being evacuated, and some people being affected by radioactive fallout. The US government did offer compensation some years ago, but that money has run out. The Marshall Islands government wants more, arguing that the impact of radiation on its people is greater than first though. One of the Marshallese activists in Hawaii who is behind the Justice for Nuclear Survivors petition at PetitionSite dot com, Elma Coleman, told Bruce Hill they want to persuade Americans to right what she says is a terrible injustice.

FIJI: Pacific nations meet on seasonal employmentAudio

Updated 11/05/2007 10:50:34

This week in Fiji a conference of Pacific Islands Nations is looking at ways of finding seasonal employment for their populations. In the Pacific, apart from agriculture and fishing, most nations have little in the way of industry, and in the case of agriculture, it's primarily for village subsistence and local trade. Unemployment and poverty are major issues.
At the same time booming economies and large scale industry in the developed nations on the Pacific rim, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and parts of Asia, have the opposite problem.

PNG: Concern over huge election costsAudioTranscript

Updated 11/05/2007 16:16:59

Papua New Guinea's Community Development minister Dame Carol Kidu says huge election costs could lead to people electing corrupt leaders in next month's poll. She says voters expect money and material goods and if candidates cannot afford them, people turn to those who can. Dame Carol says she hopes a new Limited Preferential voting system will change people's attitudes. However she told our reporter in Port Moresby, Firmin Nanol that rich candidates could stand a better chance of winning.

PNG: PM accused of betrayal over casino decisionTranscript

Updated 11/05/2007 17:56:51

An anti-corruption group in Papua New Guinea has accused P-N-G Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare of betraying the country with a new gaming law, which legalises casinos. The new law passed by PNG parliament last week allows casinos and online gambling in a bid to boost the country's economy. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare says casinos will create jobs in the hotel industry, while online gaming is also expected to be lucrative.

FRENCH POLY: pro-independents say election result a victoryAudio

Updated 10/05/2007 10:07:37

Segolene Royal may not have won the French Presidential election, but the pro-independence party in French Polynesia is calling it a victory. Royal topped the polls in three out of the six island groupings, as well as claiming the electorate of French Polynesian President Gaston Tong Sang. Members of Tong Sang's conservative party are blaming the lower than expected result for Nicolas Sarkozy on disunity within the autonomist platform.

SOLOMON IS: PM says Ramsi Envoy is a buffer.Audio

Updated 10/05/2007 10:10:14

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the newly appointed envoy to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands will act as a buffer between RAMSI and his government. The envoy, Michael Maina, is a former police minister who was sacked in 2005 for the alleged theft of about 200 thousand dollars of government money in 2002. Mr Sogavare says the appointment of Mr Maina is particularly important as a review of RAMSI is underway.

US: Pressure to continue on Fiji for electionsAudioTranscript

Updated 10/05/2007 10:11:30

The Bush administration is vowing to keep up pressure on Fiji's military leaders to hold democratic elections in the wake of last year's coup. US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, says the Pacific cannot devolve into a region where 'strong men' unilaterally decide the fates of their country. The administration concedes there's a perception the US has not being paying enough attention to the region. Glyn Davies is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He says the US is watching events in Fiji very closely.

SOLOMON IS: Possible US PT boat wreck uncovered.AudioTranscript

Updated 10/05/2007 15:46:50

Attempts are being made to determine the origins of a newly discovered shipwreck in Solomon Islands' Western province. It's thought it could be the remains of a World War Two American P-T boat. It was exposed when last month's earthquake lifted Rannoga Island by about four metres. It is the latest Second World War wreck discovered in a country that is littered with debris from battles between the Japanese and Allied forces. In the Battle of Guadalcanal alone, 48 major warships were sunk with the loss of around 11-thousand lives. Western Province Dive Operator, Danny Kennedy says he's investigating the wreck.

AMERICAN SAMOA: Soldiers funeral today in Pago PagoAudio

Updated 10/05/2007 15:48:51

Flags are flying at half mast in the American Samoan capital today mourning the death of the 12th Samoan serving in the US armed forces in Iraq. Governor Togiola Tulafono and dignitaries are attending Sergeant Raymond Savaitasi's funeral in Pago Pago along with his twin sister, wife and two children. Sergeant Savaitasi's death makes American Samoa's list of fatalities the highest of any Pacific nation with personnel serving in Iraq.

BOUGAINVILLE: Reconciliation Over Vice-President disputeAudio

Updated 10/05/2007 15:50:39

Bougainville President Joseph Kabui will not dismiss his deputy for drinking alcohol at a recent funeral. Last friday, around five thousand people rallied to demand the removal of the Autonomous Bougainville Government's Vice President, Joseph Watawi. But Mr Kabui says they will use traditional Bougainville customs to resolve the dispute between relatives of the late Chief Administrator Peter Tsiamalili and Mr Watawi.

AUS: NGO's welcome Pacific aid budgetAudioTranscript

Updated 10/05/2007 15:51:58

Non government organisation working in the Pacific have given a cautious welcome to the Australian federal budget and its commitment to the region. While the Pacific has lost the number one spot as a recipient of Australia aid, there has still been an increase of nearly 100 million dollars Australian for the Pacific. But there is some concerns about how that money may be distributed, including a new incentive scheme for aid recipients.

PACIFIC:International financial scams preying on IslandersAudio

Updated 10/05/2007 15:54:39

There are warnings today that international financial fraudsters are again preying on Pacific Islanders. Fiji's Reserve Bank says increasing numbers of people are being conned by a variety of schemes operating from overseas. Victims come from all walks of life and have lost up to 25-thousand Fiji dollars or around 19-thousand Australian dollars. The Director of the Reserve Bank's Financial Intelligence Unit, Razim Buksh, explained the latest schemes to Jemima Garrett.

AUS: budget re-engineers aid to PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 10/05/2007 17:06:16

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says he wants to fundamentally re-engineer aid to the South Pacific, despite problems with what he calls the "Pacific political class." Mr Downer says Australia's problems with the Sogavare Government in Solomon Islands will continue until the Solomons hands over the lawyer Julian Moti for trial in Australia. The Foreign Minister told Graeme Dobell that Australia wants changes to aid policies in the Pacific to confront problems of slow growth, instability and corruption.

SOLOMON IS: Two men aquitted of Australian's murderAudio

Updated 10/05/2007 17:19:06

Two men charged with the murder of Australian peacekeeper Adam Dunnning in Solomon Islands in 2004 have been aqcuitted. The Solomon Islands High Court aquitted the pair because of insufficient evidence. Dunning was serving with the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands when his vehicle was ambushed by sniper fire in Honiara. Justice Edwin Goldsbrough described the crime as "horrendous" but said there was no evidence that James Tatau and John Ome were guilty of the crime. Honiara journalist Evan Wasuka was in court when the judgement was handed down.

SOLOMON IS: The country's first pidgin bible nears completion.Audio

Updated 09/05/2007 10:29:18

Translators working on Solomon Islands first pidgin bible are close to completing their 12-year-long project. The work carried out by the Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Body involves translating hundreds of pages from the books of the Old Testament, as well as revising a 1980's translation of the New Testament. Translators were flown in from other parts of the country recently to carry out a month-long review of the New Testament. Translation advisor Gerry Biemers says the Pijin Bible commissioned by Solomon Islands Christian Association in 1995 is of huge importance to Solomon Islanders.

FIJI: Dispute over judicial appointments continuesAudio

Updated 09/05/2007 10:33:15

In Fiji, the dispute between the interim government and the Law Society over the appointment of the Chief Justice has been given an added twist. Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has taken the unprecended step of releasing publicly the minutes of the meeting appointing Justice Antyhony Gates as the acting Chief Justice. The dispute has continued with comments by Law Society President Davenesh Sharma criticising the appointment of a former military lawyer, Major Ana Rokomokoti as a magistrate before the courts have had time to deliver its verdict on the legality of the Chief Justices' appointment. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum says he's mystified as to why Mr Sharma has commented on a matter still before the court.

NZ: Low-skilled immigration hits Maori and Pacific people says economiAudio

Updated 09/05/2007 10:34:47

A New Zealand researcher is questioning whether immigration is having a positive economic effect on the country, and in particular Maori people. Massy University economist Greg Clydesdale says Maori in particular are being harmed by large numbers of immigrants without skills or money who are allowed in on humanitarian and family reunification grounds. Maori Party leader Tariana Turia has already called for immigration from western countries to be restricted, because she fears the government is trying to prevent Maori becoming a larger proportion of the population. Greg Clydesdale says that large-scale immigration of low skilled people is hurting Maori and Pacific island people far more than other groups..

FIJI: Recall of envoys part of public service clean-upAudio

Updated 09/05/2007 10:55:55

Fiji's interim government says there is nothing sinister in the decision to recall six envoys serving in overseas missions. The recalled ambassadors have been serving in posts in the United States, Japan, high commissioners in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the recall is just part of the governments overhaul of the public service.

BOUGAINVILLE: govt wants to reopen copper mineAudio

Updated 09/05/2007 16:02:09

Papua New Guinea's Autonomous Bougainville province wants to reopen the giant Panguna Copper Mine. The mine was forced to close during the height of a secessionist war led by the late Francis Ona in the 1990's. Bougainville President Joseph Kabui says the mine will need to be reopened to support Bougainville's fragile economy.

SOLOMON IS; PM stands byt MotiAudioTranscript

Updated 09/05/2007 16:04:21

However, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare remains defiant on the issue of Julian Moti. Mr Sogavare says Mr Moti will be reinstated as attorney general as soon as his suspension is lifted by the Public Service Board. He says Canberra has no grounds to demand the extradition of Mr Moti.

AUS: Govt announces change of foreign aid prioritiesAudio

Updated 09/05/2007 16:07:22

Australia's annual budget announced in Canberra last night marked a changing of foreign aid priorities between East Asia and the South Pacific. Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific lost the spot they've held for decades, as the region which gets the most Australian aid. Development assistance to Indonesia and East Asia is budgeted to reach 970 million dollars, while the figure for PNG and the Pacific is 872 million dollars. And for the first time, Indonesia will get more aid than PNG. In Canberra, Graeme Dobell asked Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, about the significance of PNG no longer getting the most Australian aid.

SOLOMONS: govt appoints envoy to RAMSIAudioTranscript

Updated 09/05/2007 17:37:12

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manessah Sogavare has appointed an envoy to the regional assistance mission RAMSI. Michael Maina is a former Solomons Parliamentarian. He will now be the link between the Solomons Government and RAMSI which was invited into the country in 2003. But his appointment comes as a review begins into RAMSI's operations and as Prime Minister Sogavare continues to make it it clear he is looking for the day the mission finally leaves his country.

PAC: 20 nations agree to limit bottom trawlingAudio

Updated 08/05/2007 11:43:58

More than 20 South Pacific nations have agreed to place a limit on the deep sea fishing practice of bottom trawling, which environmentalists have long condemend for destroying rare species and ecosystems. Environmental groups have hailed the agreement as a breakthrough, saying it will transform deep sea fishing.

AUS South Pacific aid budget "distorted"Audio

Updated 08/05/2007 11:45:11

Australia's Labor Opposition says Australia's aid to the South Pacific has been distorted by the so-called Pacific solution - the creation of detention camps for asylum seekers in the region. The Opposition spokesman on International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, says the centres on Nauru and Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, have cost nearly 250-million dollars since 2001. Mr McMullan says the aid budget - to be announced in this evening's federal budget in Canberra - should chart a new direction for aid in the South Pacific. He says the use of Nauru and Manus for asylum seekers has damaged Australia in the South Pacific.

TONGA: Two pro-democracy activists guilty over protestAudio

Updated 08/05/2007 11:47:22

Campaigners for political reform in Tonga have been found guilty of charges relating to a protest in June last year. Tonga's most prominent pro-democracy activist, Akilisi Pohiva and fellow street protestor Tui'i Uata have been found guilty of encouraging and abetting with others to obstruct police in lawful duties. Failure to pay fines could see both men behind bars.

AUS: Call for more spending on health aidAudio

Updated 08/05/2007 15:45:53

Aid agency, World Vision is calling on the Australian government to dramatically increase its health aid spending for the Asia Pacific region. A new World Vision report, released to coincide with the Australian federal budget, says Australia needs to play a critical role in averting catastrophic health-related disasters in neighbouring countries.

PNG: 3.5 million to vote next monthAudio

Updated 08/05/2007 15:54:55

More than three and a half million voters in Papua New Guinea go to the polls next month. They'll vote for more than three thousand candidates expected to contest 109 parliamentary seats.

PAC: US warns of strongmen in the regionAudioTranscript

Updated 08/05/2007 15:56:03

The U-S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has kicked off an unprecedented meeting of Pacific leaders in Washington by warning against the danger of island "strongmen" undermining democracy in the region. She was addressing the opening session of the first meeting in Washington of the triennial Pacific Islands Conference. The meeting is the highest level gathering of Pacific leaders ever held in the US capital. Condoleezza Rice told the meeting that many Pacific Islands are facing growing challenges.

PNG:Former PM says Moti affair may affect PM's electoral chancesAudioTranscript

Updated 08/05/2007 15:52:30

As Papua New Guinea prepares for the general election, the big question is whether the man they call 'The Chief' can keep the top job. Sir Michael Somare is the first prime minister in the country's history to serve a full five-year term. However, in recent months he has been scarred by the Julian Moti affair. Sir Michael is refusing to publish the findings of the inquiry into the escape of Julian Moti from Port Moresby to Honiara last October. Former PNG prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta, is standing for election again this year. Sir Mekere says the Moti affair has revealed widespread corruption in PNG, which may affect Sir Michael's performance at the poll.

NZ: academic says Aus/NZ to blame for China/Taiwan interestAudioTranscript

Updated 07/05/2007 10:53:32

One of the Pacific's most respected academics and analysts believes Australia and New Zealand have only themselves to blame for the increased interest by China and Taiwan in the region. Emeritus Professor Ron Crocombe was speaking at a Pacific trade and investment forum in Auckland.

Washington: Pacific leaders gather for tri-annual talksAudio

Updated 07/05/2007 10:54:16

The eight Pacific Island Conference of Leaders meeting gets underway in Washington tonight. Historically the tri-annual conference has provided a venue for discussion on co-operation and development. But with coups, riots and unrest featuring largely across the Pacific in the past 18 months or so, politics and stability are also on the agenda. And for the first time as a group, the conference will be meeting with the US Department of State, who are also meeting with the aid donor and development sponsors in the Pacific region.

AUST:Keen to source more fairtrade products in the PacificAudio

Updated 07/05/2007 10:55:54

Australia is the fastest growing market in the world for fairtrade products and fairtrade importers are keen to source more products from the Pacific. In the past year fairtrade into Australia, mainly coffee, has grown by more than 50-percent making it worth over eight million dollars. The fairtrade industry began with efforts by aid agencies to ensure producers in developing countries received more income and benefits from the products they produced. Cameron Neil, from the Fairtrade Association of Australia and New Zealand, says PNG coffee is becoming increasingly important.