July 2007

VANUATU: Prime minister sacks errant MP'sAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 11:30:30

Vanuatu's prime minister Ham Lini has sacked two political parties from the coalition government for indiscretions by their leaders. The President of the Union of Moderate Parties or UMP Serege Vohor lost his job for allegedly assaulting a ministry of finance official last Friday after complaining about delays in his pay and the People's Progressive Party or PPP led by deputy prime minister Sato Kilman was sacked over allegations of fraud.

TONGA: Govenment hints pro-democracy paper could face chargesAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 16:05:28

The Tongan government is accusing a pro-democracy newspaper of running a hate campaign against the prime minister, Doctor Fred Sevele. The Kele'a newspaper's editor, Tavake Fusimalohi, recently published an item calling for public demonstrations during the Pacific island Forum summit in Tonga in October.

SOLOMON IS: Action needed to halt abuse of childrenAudioTranscript

Updated 31/07/2007 16:05:57

In Solomon Islands, the Anglican Church, known as the Church of Melanesia is calling on the government to take urgent action to deal with sexual abuse of children near logging camps. A new report on Commercial Sexual Exploitaion by the Church's Christian Care Centre has been launched in Honiara by Lady Alice Waena, wife of the Solomon Islands Governor General, Nathaniel Waena.

VANUATU: Trade ministers hear concerns on meeting EU deadlineAudioTranscript

Updated 31/07/2007 16:10:36

A meeting of trade ministers in the Pacific has heard of concerns in sealing an economic partnership agreement with the European Union. The meeting is one of two gatherings on trade taking place in the Vanuatu capital Port Vila this week.

FIJI: Teachers planning to strike on ThursdayAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 16:14:54

As the nurses strike in Fiji continues, the Fijian Teachers Association is waiting to hear whether the Interim Government Cabinet will give it any ground on Fiji's escalating five percent pay cut dispute. The President of the Fijian Teachers Association, Tevita Koroi, has told Sean Dorney that his union will go out on strike on Thursday if it is not satisfied with a Cabinet decision today.

FIJI:Big profit for phone telco despite lower call chargesAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 16:29:34

Fiji's monopoly phone company, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings, has increased its profit by almost 19 per cent despite massive cuts to the price it is allowed to charge for phone calls. ATH Chairman, Kanti Tappoo, says in the financial year just ended, the company increased sales revenue resulting in a profit of 41-point-five-million Fiji dollars or just over 30 million Australian dollars.

FIJI: Teachers strike on ThursdayAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 17:25:38

The Fijian Teachers Association has announced that it will join nurses in a nation wide strike from Thursday. This follows the announcement by the Interim Government Cabinet not to give in to a number of the union's demands including the restoration of a five percent pay cut.

SOLOMON IS: Prosecutor denies dropping chargesAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 17:44:03

The crown prosecutor in a high-profile case before the Solomon Islands High Court has dismissed claims by the defence that the prosecution has dropped some charges.These are the charges of conspiracy against Honiara M-P's Nelson Ne'e, Charles Dausabe and businessman Alex Bartlett arising from the Honiara riots of April 2006.

PNG: Religious sect promises ancestors with wealthAudio

Updated 31/07/2007 17:44:03

Papua New Guinea's Anglican Church is concerned over a religious sect allegedly led by two defrocked members of the clergy. Bishop Joseph Kopapa has accused former Mother Superior Sister Cora Aegai of allegedly leading a religious sect that believes in the return of ancestors bearing material goods.

PNG: HIV ARV drugs coverage by 2010Audio

Updated 30/07/2007 13:24:29

The Papua New Guinea health department plans to have anti-retroviral drugs or ARVs available to HIV-AIDS sufferers throughout the country by 2010. HIV/AIDS is becoming a major health problem in PNG with tens of thousands already infected.

PAPUA: Investigation into microchips for HIV patientsAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 13:27:23

A working party in Papua is considering ways of using micro-chip implants in HIV infected patients to track their movments.The Jakarta Post reports a member of the working party, Dr John Manangsang, says the government in Papua has "to think hard on ways to provide protection to people from the spread of the disease".

PNG: Changes needed to get women into parliamentAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 13:29:13

A Papua New Guinea academic says the poor performance by women candidates in the national election should not discourage more women from contesting future elections. Of more than 100 women candidates, only veteran Port Moresby South MP Dame Carol Kidu won her seat.

PNG: Sir Michael Somare set to form new governmentAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 13:30:55

The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission has declared results in 97 of the 109 parliamentary seats. A huge numbers game is being played out in the aftermath of the election to determine who will lead the country with no fewer than four former prime ministers engaged in negotiations to form a coalition.

PNG: Deadline passes writs not declaredAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 16:12:37

Bad weather in some parts of Papua New Guinea has caused a delay in the return of writs for the 2007 general election. Today is the deadline when the Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen was expected to announce the final results and then call on the Governor General to return parliament for the swearing in of the Speaker and prime minister.

FRENCH POL: Election tipped before end of the yearAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 16:12:46

The people of French Polynesia face the possibility of going to the polls before the end of the year. Current President Gaston Tong Sang has only been in office since January, but already he's got his political foes and allies offside.

FIJI: PM tells nurses only one percent pay restoredAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 16:12:37

Fiji's interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama has told the Fiji Nursing Association that no further consideration will be given to the restoration of the full five percent pay cut imposed ealier this year. During a telephone conversation, the prime minister told Nursing Association General Secretary Kuini Lutua that one percent is as much as the government is prepared to give the nurses.

VANUATU: Pacific finalises position on EU trade dealAudio

Updated 30/07/2007 16:14:44

Pacific island countries are finalising their position on an economic partnership agreement with Europe in Vanuatu this week. Trade ministers and their officials will first attend a meeting of Pacific members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states, before attending the meeting of trade ministers of all Pacific Island Forum member countries.

NZ: Honey producer wins US Food and Drug Admin approvalAudioTranscript

Updated 27/07/2007 13:47:23

New Zealand honey producer, Comvita has won approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to market its manuka honey for the treatment of burns and wounds. The bee products company has produced a special honey from the prolifically flowering manuka - a leptospernum known locally as native ti-tree - which is highly attractive to bees.

PNG: Sir Michael Somare has the numbersAudioTranscript

Updated 27/07/2007 15:49:38

In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare has declared he has the numbers to form the next government. Our correspondent in Port Moresby Steve Marshall says the numbers are starting to fall in favour of the prime minister.

SOLOMON IS: PM meets Guadalcanal Province leaders.AudioTranscript

Updated 27/07/2007 15:50:06

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manesseh Sogavare has met members of the Guadalcanal Provincial Executive to discuss concerns raised by the people of the province. They include the appointment of new Attorney General Julian Moti, the re-armament of the police and a number of outstanding demands of the province.

TONGA: NZ-based militant warns of another 16/11 riotAudio

Updated 27/07/2007 16:15:26

A militant Tongan pro-democracy activist in Auckland has warned last year's November riots which destroyed much of central Nukualofa could be repeated. Alan Taione has vowed to continue agitating against the monarchy, after having a charge of arson against him dropped and pleading guilty to a lesser charge of causing wilful damage.

FIJI: predictions one in two living in poverty by 2020Audio

Updated 26/07/2007 10:40:13

One in two Fijians will be living in poverty by 2020 is the stark prediction by economist Dr Satish Chand. The Pacific policy specialist at the Australian National University in Canberra says that with a slowing economy, the rise in poverty is likely to continue.

PACIFIC: Health dangers of chewing betel nutAudio

Updated 26/07/2007 15:52:30

The popular Pacific past time of chewing Betel nut has come under scrutiny in a new report by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, or SPC. The report, currently under consideration by the World Health Organization, warns the health consequences of chewing Betel nut include dental disease and oral cancer.

SOLOMON IS: Guns compensation to be discussed.AudioTranscript

Updated 26/07/2007 15:53:08

Talks are to be held in Solomon Islands to examine paying compensation to legitimate firearm owners who surrendered their guns as part of the peace process. Representatives from the government and the Regional Assistance Mission will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue.

PNG: Young singer at forefront of HIV-Aids campaignAudio

Updated 26/07/2007 15:51:17

Papua New Guinea is the Pacific country most directly threatened by HIV-Aids with horrendous projections about what proportion of its six-and-a-half million people could be infected within a decade. Estimates already put the number with HIV-Aids at two percent.

PNG: Convicted rapist wins parliamentary seatAudioTranscript

Updated 26/07/2007 16:18:22

A former Papua New Guinea Governor convicted of rape has been re-elected to the PNG Parliament. James Yali was sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a 17-year old girl in 2004.

PNG: Major players vie to form new governmentAudio

Updated 26/07/2007 16:20:21

The political games are underway in Papua New Guinea with the major parties trying to entice smaller parties and independent candidates to join them to form the country's next Government. Just over half of PNG's 109 parliamentary seats have been decided - but the recruitment drive is on.

PNG: Mobile company to keep operatingAudio

Updated 26/07/2007 16:21:36

PNG's Minister for Telecommunications Arthur Somare has defied the courts by ordering the cancellation of the licence to operate of new mobile phone company, Digicel. In July this year the National Court ruled in favour of Digicel allowing it to break into the monolopy run by the nationally owned Telikom.

AUS: World Bank plan to save great forestsAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 11:42:43

Australia is the first country to contribute to the World Bank's plan to save the world's remaining great forests by paying developing countries to prevent destruction of their forests. Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, and Environment Minister, Malcolm Turbull, have announced Australia will provide 10-million US dollars to the World Bank's Global Forest Alliance.

AUST: Federal Police to send more officers overseasAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 15:59:34

The Australian Federal Police Force has been explaining to a government committee in Canberra, why it is exanding its overseas policing services.In recent years the AFP has increased the numbers of officers it has deployed into the Pacific, in Nauru, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

PNG: New political grouping takes shapeAudioTranscript

Updated 25/07/2007 16:00:56

The current Papua New Guinea prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, the leader of the National Alliance, says he's confident of forming the next government in coalition with some smaller parties once the full elections results are announced on Monday. But a rival group appears to have developed, under the leadership of PNG Party leader and former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta and New Generation Party leader Bart Philemon.

VANUATU:Volunteers for World Bank Forest InitiativeAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 16:00:26

Vanuatu has volunteered to be one of the pilot countries for the World Bank's new initiative to find a way to pay developing nations NOT to clear fell their remaining forests. Deforestation makes up 20-per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

PNG: Doubts on Somare/Mekere allianceAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 16:02:01

Former Papua New Guinea politician Sir Peter Barter has suggested Sir Michael Somare and Sir Mekere Morauta could join together to form the next government. Sir Peter says it would be a good thing for the country if the two leaders could form a coalition government.

TONGA: Public servants jobs threatened over petitionAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 16:01:23

Talks aimed at preventing industrial action by Tongan public servants will be held next week. That's according to the secretary of the country's Public Service Association, Mele Amanaki, who says the prime minister's office has agreed to the talks.

FIJI: Government ready for further talks with nursesAudio

Updated 25/07/2007 16:02:53

Fiji's Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau says her door is open for further talks with the striking nurses. Mrs Rounds-Ganilau says the government wants to continue talking to the Nursing Association until agreement can be reached to end the strike.

FIJI: Nurses strike gathers momentumAudioTranscript

Updated 25/07/2007 16:59:31

A strike by nurses in Fiji is gathering momentum with the country's major hospitals and clinics reduced to offering skeleton services. More than 14-hundred nurses - members of the Fiji Nursing Association - walked off the job at midnight last night.

SOLOMON IS: Teachers strike continuesAudio

Updated 24/07/2007 10:58:29

There is no end in sight to the strike by members of the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association which is now into its second week. The President of the Association, John Houainima says the teachers are not going back to classes until their demands are met.

PNG: Public curator enforces law to protect beneficiariesAudio

Updated 24/07/2007 10:59:37

Papua New Guinea's Public Curator has begun repossessing the property of people who have died that's been claimed illegally by relatives. Under PNG law, the Public Curator can take possession of a dead person's property without a court warrant, for the rightful beneficiaries.

Fiji:Exploration boost for Namosi gold and copper projectAudio

Updated 24/07/2007 11:01:01

Exporation at Fiji's Namosi gold and copper prospect has received a boost with Australia's Newcrest Mining signing a new joint venture agreement with the current exploration licence holders. The big Namosi site sits in the mountains above the Coral Coast west of Suva and in the headwaters of Fiji's biggest river, the Rewa.

COOKS: Papa Tom Davis diesAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2007 13:19:30

A former Cook Islands prime minister, Sir Tom Davis has died. Another former prime minister, Sir Geoffrey Henry of the Cook Islands Party, has criticised the government for allowing Sir Tom to die in poverty and without proper recognition of his contribution to the country.

FIJI: Nurses strike set to start at midnightAudio

Updated 24/07/2007 14:41:39

Fiji's nurses look set to walk off their jobs at midnight tonight. Despite last-minute offers from the interim government, the Fiji Nurses Association appears set on a national strike aimed at rolling back a five-per cent cut instituted earlier this year.

PNG: Election result due by MondayAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2007 15:49:23

The results of the Papua New Guinea election should be announced by Monday. With only a handful of results still to be announced, the current prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, is confident his National Alliance Party will return to power, in coalition with a number of other parties.

NEW CAL/FRENCH POL:Uncertain political futureAudio

Updated 24/07/2007 15:53:21

France's two territories in the Pacific are facing uncertain political futures. New Caledonia has just found out its president has resigned and in French Polynesia the government looks like being toppled in a no confidence motion.

SOLOMONS: Co founder of PFN killedAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:10:16

The co founder of Solomon Islands' innovative "People's First Network", Randall Biliki, was recently killed. The PF Network uses shortwave radios to allow internet access to many remote communities in Solomon Islands.

VANUATU: Calls for talk with Australia on kava banAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:10:15

The Vanuatu government is calling for talks with Australia over its decision to impose a ban on kava imports.The Australian government won't allow more than two kilograms of kava into the country.

NZ: Defence minister criticises Honiara riot reportAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:11:13

New Zealand's defence minister has criticised a Solomon Islands report into riots in the capital Honiara, which followed elections last year and left parts of the city in ruins. Phil Goff says his government expected the report to find out who instigated the violence, and who took part.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Poll updateAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:14:40

Now to Papua New Guinea for an update on the latest developments in national election result to find out if the government of Sir Michael Somare is under threat. Our reporter in Port Moresby , Firmin Nanol, reports on how the count is progressing.

PACIFIC: Earthquake clusters dismissed as "random".Audio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:18:26

Seven earthquakes were recorded in the Pacific last week. The most powerful hit the northwest of Japan on Monday killing nine people and causing serious damage to a nuclear power plant.

VANUATU: hosting several regional meetingsAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 10:23:55

Vanuatu is hosting several regional meetings in the next two weeks starting today in Port Vila. One of the major meetings will involve Trade Ministers from the 16-member Pacific Islands Forum which will focus on expanding regional trade.

VANUATU:Regional trade meetings underwayAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 16:11:58

The first of a series of regional trade meetings begins today in the Vanuatu capital, Port Vila.The meetings being held over the next fortnight are a leadup to a major gathering of trade ministers from the 16-member Pacific Islands Forum which will focus on expanding regional trade.

FIJI: Corruption Commission preparing to charge prominent broadcasterAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2007 16:12:54

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption says investigations are continuing into two high profile cases involving ousted prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive Francis Herman. The Deputy commissioner of the Commission, Lieutenant Colonel George Langman says they are just two of the 250 complaints the Commission is working on.

FIJI: Interim Government must resolve Chief Justice suspensionAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2007 16:13:15

A number of Fiji's senior lawyers have criticised the interim goverment for causing further division within the judiciary. Former Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, also a former High Court judge, says Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki's removal by the interim regime "violated the independence of the judiciary and the sanctity of the courts".

AUST: Satellites to monitor forests in Pacific/AsiaAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 16:12:27

Australia plans to lead an international effort to use satellites to monitor forests in the Asia-Pacific region. The satellite program is being discussed at a high level meeting in Sydney that brings together officials from 70 countries including Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

AUSTRALIA: Promises massive sums to fight aidsAudio

Updated 23/07/2007 16:14:28

The fight against HIV-Aids in the Asia Pacific region has recieved a massive boost with an additional 400-million dollars promised by the Australian Goverment. Australia's Foreign Minister announced the new funding at a conference in Sydney today.

Tonga: Downer comments on political reform welcomedAudio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

Tonga has welcomed the offer of extra assistance from Australia in rebuilding its capital, Nukualofa. Much of the town's commercial centre was destroyed in rioting late last year. When Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer visited the kingdom earlier this week he responded to a request for aid by offering an additional five million Australian dollars to the funds already pledged. Tongan prime minister Fred Sevele says Mr Downer also addressed the highly charged question of political reform in the Kingdom.

KIRIBATI: Electoral Awaress campaigns to reduce invalid voteAudio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

The Kiribati Electoral Commissioner, Rine Ueara is hoping awareness campaigns will help reduce the number of invalid votes in next month's general election. Voters will go to the polls on 22nd August to elect candidates competing for 44 parliamentary seats in 23 electoral districts. Ms Ueara says the electoral office hopes that education campaigns explaining how to fill out a ballot paper correctly will help reduce the mistakes of the past.

FIJI: Interim Government hopeful mediation will workAudio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

Fiji's Interim Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, Bernadette Rounds Ganilau says only when mediation with the unions is exhausted will the government consider permission for strike action. Minister Ganilau insists that until the outcome of this afternoons talks between the Nursing Association and the Minister for Public Service Poscei Bune is known, no decision will be given on the nurses strike planned for next Tuesday.

SOLOMON IS: Guadalcanal leaders view Sogavare as the problem.Audio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

A summit of leaders from the Solomon Islands province of Guadalcanal says the country's Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is the problem, not the government. The meeting on North Guadalcanal on Friday was attended by about a thousand people including national and provincial leaders and chiefs. The Chairman of the meeting, Walton Naezon, says the leaders agreed on six resolutions which they want the government to act upon within two weeks. He says failure to address the demands could see the Guadalcanal MP's in government supporting an upcoming motion of no-confidence in prime minister Sogovare.

Solomon Islands: Riot report rips RAMSIAudio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

The Solomon Islands Government has released an interim report from its Commision of Inquiry into the riots last year which destroyed most of the business district of the capital Honiara. It focuses on the Australian-led police force's failure to control the violence, and criticises the response of the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon islands, RAMSI.

PNG: Electoral Commission says counting too slowAudio

Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56

PNG's Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen has expressed concern at the slow pace of polling and counting in the country's general election. The Electoral Commission wants permission to extend the counting period by at least another week. Mr Trawen says if they can't speed up the counting process, then parliament will not be able to resume as required by early August to swear in the Speaker and also the next Prime Minister. Despite the slow counting our reporter in Port Moresby, Firmin Nanol, tells us that Sir Mekere Morauta has won his seat comfortably.

FIJI; Nurses hope 11th hour talks will avert strike actionAudio

Updated 19/07/2007 16:35:04

The General Secretary of the Fiji Nursing Association, Kuini Lutua is hoping that next weeks strike action may be called off if Friday's last minute talks with the interim government are successful. The government has threatened to sack all union members who proceed with strike. The Nursing Association is one of four remaining unions still threatening strike action over a number of grievances including the restoration of the five percent pay cut imposed recently by the interim government. Two unions have settled their grievances with the government and agreed not to strike.

Solomon Islands: How Moti affair is reported in AustraliaAudio

Updated 19/07/2007 16:35:04

Just as it has in Solomon Islands, the appointment of Julian Moti as Attorney General, and its effect, is still making news in Australia. So far the appointment has led to the promise of a no confidence motion in Solomons' parliament, further restrictions on travel to and through Australia for members of its government. As well it's led to even more harsh words between the government of both countries. So, just how is the Moti affair, and its fall out, being reported in Australia?

PNG: National Alliance ahead in election so farAudio

Updated 19/07/2007 16:35:04

As counting progresses in the PNG National Election, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's National Alliance party has further improved its position. With several more seats declared, it appears the National Alliance is well placed to form a coalition government.

Solomon Islands: Report on 2006 riot releasedAudio

Updated 19/07/2007 16:35:04

In Solomon Islands, the Commission of Inquiry into the riot which destroyed Honiara's Chinatown has released its preliminary report. It says the April 2006 Riots weren't controlled, because police inadequately assessed the risks, had no plan to deal with potential unrest, and had insufficient, numbers or trained officers. This happened despite evidence on the morning of the riots, of some consensus amongst political groups, that if the Prime Minister elected by Parliament wasn't their choice, they would force a regime change.

FIJI: Resolution of human rights complaints on trackAudioTranscript

Updated 18/07/2007 15:54:03

The director of Fiji's Human Rights Commission Dr Shaista Shameem has rejected claims her organisation is not processing complaints quickly enough. She says of the 30 complaints filed with the Commission since the coup in December last year, only 14 remain unresolved.

PNG: Former PM Rabbie Namaliu loses seatAudio

Updated 18/07/2007 15:54:20

Former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu is one of the first high profile MP's to loose his seat in the national election. Sir Rabbie who was treasurer in the last government, served as Prime Minister in 1988 and held several senior positions including Foreign minister.

PACIFIC: New player influencing regionAudioTranscript

Updated 18/07/2007 15:53:36

The dispute between Australia and Solomon Islands over the appointment of Attorney General Julian Moti has again raised the issue of just how much influence traditional aid donors have now, or may have in the future. Right now Australia, and New Zealand are major players in the Pacific but countries like the Solomons and Papua New Guinea have indicated they are looking north for new economic neighbours.

FIJI: Travel bans removed without explanationAudio

Updated 18/07/2007 16:19:21

Fiji"s Immigration officials have moved quickly to remove travel bans on two prominent citizens.Suva based lawyer Graham Leung and the coordinator of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Shamima Ali were stopped from leaving Nadi on Tuesay.

SOLS: Guadalcanal leaders meeting crucial for country.AudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2007 11:55:00

In Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal leaders have called a special meeting this Thursday that could determine the future of the government. Organisers say the Guadalcanal block of M-P's will be asked to resign from the Grand Coalition government led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

PAC: Unclear who will attend Pacific Forum Leaders meetingAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 11:00:44

The future of Fiji under the miltary leadership of interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is expected to dominate this year's Pacific Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga in October. When Commodore Bainimarama announced recently that he would be representing Fiji at the meeting, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke stated that he "would be treated as a leper".

FIJI: Women's Advocate says travel ban unconstitutionalAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 16:34:23

Immigration officials in Nadi have stopped another prominent Fijian from leaving the country. The Coordinator for the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre and Commissioner for Fiji's Human Rights Commission Shamima Ali was due to travel to Townsville to deliver a paper at an International womens summit.

SOLS: Opposition claims parliament postponement a delaying tacticAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 16:35:17

The Opposition in Solomon Islands says the announcement that the next sitting of parliament is to be postponed is a delaying tactic. Parliament was scheduled to begin sitting this Friday to hear a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over his appointment of Julian Moti as Attorney General, a motion which is believed to have the support of many government members and ministers.

SOLS: Govt won't take retaliatory action against AustAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 16:36:28

The Solomon Islands won't take retaliatory action against Australia over the travel ban. But the Secretary to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Cabinet John Roughan says the Australian decision will only worsen relations between the two countries.

AUS: Solomons MPs banned until Moti is handed overAudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2007 16:37:57

Australia says it will continue to frequently refuse entry to ministers of the Solomon Islands Government until the Attorney-General Julian Moti is handed over to Australia to face child sex charges. In the past few days the Foreign minister Alexander Downer has denied travelling visas to Solomons' ministers.

BOUGAINVILLE: atoll residents still to cast votesAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 17:08:16

While results of the Papua New Guinea national election are being counted and declared, people of the remote atoll islands in North Bougainville have yet to vote. A PNG patrol boat has been hired to take election officials to the atolls so that residents can cast their votes.

VANUATU:flights for stranded cruise passengersAudio

Updated 17/07/2007 17:11:12

The cruise operator P & O is still trying to find charter flights for hundreds of passenger stranded in Vanuatu after their cruise liner was damaged in a storm. The Pacific Star was battered by gale force winds and 10-metre waves just hours after sailing from New Zealand.

CNMI: fight against federalisation of Marianas immigrationAudio

Updated 16/07/2007 11:09:25

The Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Benigno Fitial has gone to Washington to fight against the federalisation of immigration laws. The administration believes new legislation to be introduced into the Senate on the 19th of July will have a detrimental impact on the territory's already fragile economy.

AUST: Downer hopes the right thing will be done over MotiAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2007 11:12:12

Australia's Foreign minister Alexander Downer says eventually the Sogovare Government or a subsequent Solomon Islands government "will do the right thing" about the appointment of Australian fugitive lawyer Julian Moti as the country's top law officer. Mr Downer's statement -- on the Moti appointment and concern the new Attorney-General may act to undermine the Regional Assistance Mission's ability to do its work -- has been published in a letter sent to the Solomon Star.

FIJI: Another name on military's travel ban listAudio

Updated 16/07/2007 15:39:07

Another high profile Fijian on the interim governments travel ban list has been prevented from leaving the country. Suva based solicitor Graham Leung has lodged court action challenging the military led government's decision to stop him from flying out of Nadi this morning.

SOLOMON IS: Teachers strike over pay and conditionsAudio

Updated 16/07/2007 15:38:51

Thousands of school teachers in Solomon Islands have gone on strike for better pay and conditions of service. The strike involves almost seven-thousand members of the national teachers association from both public and church schools funded by the government.

PNG: Final results delayed by pollingAudio

Updated 16/07/2007 15:38:51

Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner fears delays in polling and court orders asking for recounts in some seats will delay the return of final election results. Andrew Trawen says the delay in polling in some seats will impact on the date for the return of writs currently set for the 30th of July.

AUS: Pacific community furious at kava banAudioTranscript

Updated 13/07/2007 10:24:50

Australia's Pacific Island community is furious at a federal government decision to ban the commercial importation of kava. The changes were brought in two weeks ago as part of the Government intervention plan in remote indigenous communities.

AUST: Former Solomons MP warns of violence over MotiAudio

Updated 13/07/2007 10:26:45

A former Solomon Islands MP has warned that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's appointment of Julian Moti as the country's Attorney-General could see the Pacific nation descend into violence again. Charles Brown Beu was a minister in the Mamaloni government in the 1990s.

PNG: Election hopeful arrested, charged and releasedAudio

Updated 13/07/2007 15:51:51

In Papua New Guinea, it's quite literally on again off again when it comes to the unauthorised power strikes in the capital Port Moresby. There have been reports of violence and in a separate incident one election hopeful has been arrested and charged.

SOLOMON IS: Court rule against Acting AG on ombudsman

Updated 13/07/2007 15:53:15

The Solomons Islands High Court has ruled that the Governor General does not have the power to refuse or ignore advice on the appointment of a new Ombudsman.The Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena refrained from appointing Joe Poraiwai on the advice of the then acting Attorney General, Nuatali Tongarutu.

PALAU: Economic Ministers discus labour mobilityAudio

Updated 13/07/2007 15:55:41

Economic ministers of island countries belonging to the Pacific Islands Forum have concluded their annual meeting in the small island of Palau, in the northern Pacific. As in previous meetings, the ministers discussed a wide range of issues including labour mobility and a regional customs agency.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition motion of no-confidence in PM.Audio

Updated 13/07/2007 17:19:58

The Solomon Islands parliamentary opposition will move a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare next week over the appointment of Attorney General, Julian Moti. The motion will be moved by the opposition spokesman for finance, Edward Huniehu.

FIJI: Funding problems jeopardise Rugby World Cup campaignAudio

Updated 12/07/2007 11:16:34

Fiji is having trouble finding enough funds to make sure its Rugby team gets to France for the World Cup in September. Fiji had budgeted for one point four million Fiji dollars but that has been slashed due to government cutbacks.

PALAU: Pacific leaders told more action less talkAudio

Updated 12/07/2007 16:21:26

Economic ministers of the Pacific are wrapping up their two day meeting in the small island of Palau in the northern Pacific. Labour mobility and the economic cost of climate change have dominated discussions, in addition to the usual topics of public sector reform and regional cooperation.

PNG: Capital disrupted by power strikeAudio

Updated 12/07/2007 16:22:13

A non sanctioned power strike is causing chaos in Papua New Guinea with disruptions to telephone and internet services. The main power plant at Rouna which supplies the capital Port Moresby was switched off yesterday.

FIJI: Names on travel ban list growingAudioTranscript

Updated 12/07/2007 16:22:44

In Fiji, another name has been added to the military led government's travel ban list. Laisa Digitaki who describes herself as a pro-democracy and anti-coup activist, was stopped at Nadi airport yesterday and prevented from boarding her flight to Sydney.

SOLOMONS: Statemate over plans to rearm policeAudio

Updated 12/07/2007 16:26:11

The stalemate between Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manessah Sogavare, the country's civil society groups and RAMSI over re arming police doesn't look like being resolved soon. nd as Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, the Julian Moti Affair is still causing friction.

SOLS: PM not worried by Aust opposition to new AGAudioTranscript

Updated 12/07/2007 19:40:16

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare says he's not worried by the Australian government's strong reaction against the appointment of Julian Moti as the country's attorney general. Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer have both condemned the appointment of Mr Moti who is wanted in Australia for child sex offences.

PNG: Electoral Commission confident of result by end of JulyAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 11:34:08

Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commission says it is confident of delivering election results by the 30th of July despite delays in counting votes and polling being extended in several provinces till the end of this week. Polling should have officially ended yesterday.

AUST: Academic says Moti appointment won't affect RAMSIAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 11:36:28

Julian Moti's ascension to the position of Solomon Islands' Attorney-General is being seen as all about the leadership of the Prime Minister, and it won't affect the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI. That's the view of Dr Clive Moore, a Melanesian specialist and associate professor of history at the University of Queensland.

PNG:Backs APEC push to resusitate Doha talksAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 11:47:03

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Paul Tiensten, has given his full support to the APEC Trade Ministers reaffirmation of their commitment to reach a successful conclusion to the stalled Doha round or World Trade negotiations. PNG is the only Pacific Island member of APEC.

PACIFIC:Pacific Plan makes considerable progressAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 11:48:44

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat says considerable progress has been made in implementing the Pacific Plan - the Forum Island leaders vision for increased regional co-operation and development. The Pacific Islands Forum secretariat, which oversees the Plan, has just released its half-yearly progress report.

PNG: Voting winds down counting starts MondayAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 15:35:06

In Papau New Guinea's general election, voting is expected to finish on Friday with the exception of some of the more inaccessible areas. Counting is scheduled to begin on Monday.

SOLS:Former DPP says Moti appointment unconstitutionalAudioTranscript

Updated 11/07/2007 15:35:06

A former Solomon Islands Director of Public Prosecutions says the appointment of Julian Moti as Attorney General is un-constitutional. John Cauchi, who was Solomon Islands' DPP under the Regional Assistance Mission, says the appointment was made for the wrong reasons.

SOLS: Overwhelming opposition to government decisionsAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 15:49:26

A public forum in Honiara has expressed overwhelming opposition to recent controversial decisions by the Solomon Islands Government. These include the appointments of Julian Moti as Attorney General and Jahir Khan as Police Commissioner as well as the rearming of police.

AUS: Foreign Minister says Solomons laughting stockAudioTranscript

Updated 11/07/2007 16:14:22

For the second day in a row, Australia's Foreign minister Alexander Downer has gone on the attack over Julian Moti's appointment as Solomon Islands Attorney General. He says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare, by his actions, has made his country a laughing stock and created history -- by making someone facing child sex charges Attorney-General.

PALAU: President critical of Forum's approach to free tradeAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 16:15:48

Palau President Tommy Remengesau has criticised the Pacific Forum's approach to free trade in the region in his opening address to the Forum Economic Ministers meeting. Our Fiji correspondent, Samisoni Pareti is in Palau at the moment and explains that President Remengasau remained diplomatic while he was criticising the Forum.

PALAU: President critical of Forum's approach to free tradeAudio

Updated 11/07/2007 16:17:37

Palau President Tommy Remengesau has criticised the Pacific Forum's approach to free trade in the region in his opening address to the Forum Economic Ministers meeting. Our Fiji correspondent, Samisoni Pareti is in Palau at the moment and explains that President Remengasau remained diplomatic while he was criticising the Forum.

SOLS: Academic says Moti decision a disgraceAudioTranscript

Updated 11/07/2007 16:17:15

The Solomon Islands Government's installation of fugitive Australian lawyer Julian Moti as the island nation's first law officer has been described as a "disgrace", bringing the office of Attorney-General into disrepute. That's the view of Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, a Research Fellow at the East-West Centre in Honolulu.

NZ: Bad weather disrupts Pacific telecommunicationsAudioTranscript

Updated 11/07/2007 16:18:33

Bad weather in New Zealand's north island has disrupted telecommunication services to six Pacific Island countries. Last night's storm caused widespread damage to homes north of Auckland and led to communications services being disrupted to Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau and the Solomon Islands.

FIJI: Call for interim government to put own house in orderAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 11:57:22

The SDL party in Fiji has criticised the interim government for worrying about comments made by developed countries before putting its own house in order. Director of the SDL party Peceli Kinivuwai says if the interim government has the will, democratic elections can be held by March 2009.

Police detain dancers after Papuan congressAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 11:57:22

A group of eight Papuans has been released from custody after being interrogated at the end of a four day Papuan Tribal Congress meeting in Jayapura that ended on Sunday. The group was arrested after it had earlier used the West Papuan flag, the Morning Star, during an opening ceremony dance performance.

SOLOMON IS: MOTI sworn-in as Attorney GeneralAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 15:32:21

Controversial Australian lawyer, Julian Moti has been sworn-in as Solomon Islands' Attorney General.
Julian Moti is wanted in Australia for child sex offences.

SOLOMONS: 20 police to go to Taiwan for trainingAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 16:07:13

The Solomons Islands Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan, says 20 Solomon Islands police officers will soon leave for Taiwan to undergo expert training on close protection.

SOLOMON IS: PSC to challenge Moti's swearing-in as AGAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 15:33:23

The Solomon Islands Public Service Commission says it will challenge the swearing-in of Julian Moti as Attorney General in court. Chairman of the Commission, Edmund Andresen says, as far as the Commission is concerned, Julian Moti is still under suspension.

PNG: Power strike impacts on electionsAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 16:11:23

Counting has begun in the Papua New Guinea capital to tally votes cast at the weekend in national elections. Joining us now from Port Moresby is correspondent Steve Marshall with details of a power blackout tonight because of a strike by power workers.

FIJI: UN not likely to boycott Fiji diplomatic appointmentAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 16:11:56

The United Nations and China are unlikely to oppose the Fiji Interim Government's choice of diplomats for New York and Beijing. An Australian based Fiji academic Brij Lal says the UN and China are unlikely to be influenced by pressure from Australia, New Zealand and the Bush administration to boycott the appointments.

SOLS: Moti says swearing-in as AG victory for silent majorityAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 18:21:10

The Solomon Islands' new Attorney General, Julian Moti says his ascension to the top legal position is a victory for the silent majority in the country. Mr Moti made the comments as he was sworn-in yesterday by the Governor General despite strong opposition locally and from overseas.

AUS: Foreign Minister says Sols AG appointment insensitiveAudio

Updated 10/07/2007 18:21:10

Australia's Foreign minister Alexander Downer says Julian Moti's appointment is "extremely insensitive" and "offensive" to Solomon Islanders and Australians.

PNG: irregularities in voting in the HighlandsAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 14:01:44

Underage voters, people voting on behalf of the deceased and stressed out police, that's the story so far after a week of voting in the PNG national elections. PNG Correspondent Steve Marshall has been travelling the Highlands and reports from a village in Enga where a unique way of voting took place.

FIJI:New development program for Vanua LevuAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 14:02:21

Fiji's interim cabinet has approved a Northern Development Program to create jobs and foster business activities on the country's struggling second island of Vanua Levu. Finance Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, set aside five million Fiji dollars, or around three-point-seven million Australian dollars, in his March budget for development on Vanua Levu.

PNG: Voting likely to be extended another 5 daysAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 14:01:44

It looks highly likely that the polling period in Papua New Guinea's national elections will be extended. From Port Moresby our Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney has filed this report.

PACIFIC: Some nations behind in good governace performanceAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 14:03:11

A new survey of good governance in the Pacific has found that several countries have stalled in their efforts to improve the way their nations are run. The Good Governance Indicators developed by the Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies in Development and Governance at the University of the South Pacific for seven Pacific Island countries were released today.

PAPUA; Claims of murder, torture and rape by Indonesian soldiersAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 14:04:50

An international human rights group says Indonesia's elite paramilitary corps, Brimob, is still routinely engaging in murder, torture and rape, in its effort to curb the separatist movement in Papua province. Human Rights Watch says many serious violations occurred during police raids on isolated communities believed to be harbouring separatist leaders.

SOLOMON IS: Julian Moti to be Sworn-in as AGAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 15:16:43

The Solomon Islands government is to swear -in fugitive Australian lawyer, Julian Moti as Attorney General tomorrow. Mr Moti is wanted in Australia on child sex charges, but the government has now decided to go ahead with his swearing-in despite court decisions still pending on his initial appointment and suspension.

FIJI: Illegal entry at PM's office could be inside jobAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2007 15:55:02

Police in Fiji are investigating a break in at the Prime Ministers's office at the weekend. Police suspect the illegal entry was an inside job as security has been tight at the office since the coup last year.

PALAU: Labour mobility on Forum economic agendaAudio

Updated 09/07/2007 15:55:02

The Forum's Economic Minister's meeting will get underway in Palau on Wednesday. Our Fiji correspondent Samisoni Pareti is there and he joins us now with details of the agenda.

SOLOMON IS: Change in mood concern for Aus/NZ forcesAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2007 15:55:09

New Zealand Minister for defence Phil Goff has warned that New Zealand and Australian forces may no longer be welcome in Solomon islands.

SOLS; Civil Society groups to meet over Moti and gunsAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2007 16:37:22

The swearing-in of Julian Moti and plans to rearm Solomon Islands police will be dicussed at an urgent seminar of Civil society groups on Wednesday in Honiara. The Civil Society Group includes the National Council of Women, the Solomon Islands Christian Association and the Solomon Islands development trust.

FIJI: Ousted PM under investigation for corruptionAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 09:47:22

Outgoing Fiji Independent Commisioner Against Corruption Chief Investigator revealed yesterday that ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is now under investigation over corruption allegations. Laisenia Qarase says he has never been corrupt.

GUAM: Landowners protest against the US militaryAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 09:50:15

Landowners in Guam's Urunao district are protesting against access to their properties being blocked off by the US military. With eight-thousand marines relocating to Guam from Okinawa over the next couple of years, the landowners fear being denied access to their ancestral lands or having them confiscated for military housing.

SOLOMON IS: Former Prime Minister jailedAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 15:44:51

A former Solomon Islands Prime Minister and former Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Ezekiel Alebua, has been sentenced to three and half years imprisonment. The Honiara Magistrates Court found Alebua guilty of embezzling the equivalent of 28 thousand US dollars in 2001 when he was Premier of Guadalcanal Province.

PNG: voting underway in the capital Port MoresbyAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 15:45:22

Voting in Papua New Guinea's national election is underway in the national capital district, which encompasses Port Moresby. Residents have today and tomorrow to cast their vote.

FIJI: Former FBC head "hurt" by abuse of office allegationsAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 15:45:47

The former head of Fiji's national broadcaster who has been prevented from travelling overseas says he's been very hurt by the incident. Francis Herman was told on Wednesday night he couldn't board a flight to Melbourne to participate in a regional communications conference.

SOLOMON IS: PM emhasises sovereignty to natiionAudio

Updated 06/07/2007 15:45:08

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has emphasised the country's sovereignty and independence in an address to the nation to mark Independence day. Mr Sogavare was speaking during a ceremony in Malaita Province.

Fiji: Former FBC head prevented from leaving the countryAudio

Updated 05/07/2007 10:27:58

The decision by Fiji's interim government to prevent the former head of the national broadcaster from leaving the country is likely to tarnish the country's reputation. That's the warning from the organisers of a conference that former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation head Francis Herman was scheduled to address today.

FIJI: Media Council disturbed by travel ban on Francis HermanAudioTranscript

Updated 05/07/2007 12:03:11

The Chairman of the Fiji Media Council, Darryl Tarte, says he'll be making further inquiries into what happened to Francis Herman. He says the news has come as a complete surprise.

AUS: Foreign Minister calls on PNG to release Moti reportAudioTranscript

Updated 05/07/2007 12:41:38

The Australian Government has called for Papua New Guinea's Defence Force Board of Inquiry report into the Julian Moti affair to be made public. The findings of the report have been leaked by Prime Minister Michael Somare's political rival, Sir Mekere Morauta.

FIJI: A-G offers to help former FBC head with travel banAudio

Updated 05/07/2007 14:43:55

Fiji's Attorney-General says he's offered to assist Francis Herman. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is also Minister of Justice, says he's not aware of the reasons why the former CEO of Fiji Broadcasting has been prevented from leaving the country.

PNG: Electoral roll still over inflated say observersAudio

Updated 05/07/2007 15:27:57

Local election observers in Papua New Guinea say the country's new electoral roll is still over inflated despite attempts to get rid of ghost names. The PNG Electoral Commision decided to remove ghost names and underage voters 18 months ago.

AUSTRALIA:Labor's new approach to the PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 05/07/2007 15:27:57

Australia's Opposition leader, Kevin Rudd, has unveiled a new foreign policy plan for the Pacific. The new approach covers development assistance and security for the Pacific Islands, East Timor and Indonesia should his Labor party win office at elections at the end of the year.

SOLOMON IS: Legal draftsman sackedAudioTranscript

Updated 05/07/2007 17:30:10

The Solomon Islands government has sacked its Legal Draftsman reportedly on orders from Prime Minister Sogavare. Ranjit Hewagama had been Solomon Islands' legal draftsman for almost 23 years.

Tonga: Public servants threaten another strikeAudioTranscript

Updated 04/07/2007 15:40:57

Tonga's public servants are threatening another national strike. The PSA is angry about what it says is the government's refusal to negotiate over pay and conditions.

PNG: Voting irregularities in Enga provinceAudio

Updated 04/07/2007 15:41:54

Voting in Papua New Guinea's general election has been taking place in Enga province today, after a largely peaceful process in Southern Highlands. Once the voting has finished in Enga later today, the security forces trying to ensure order for the vote move on to Western Highlands, where the polls are scheduled to open on Friday.

PNG: Strong voter interest in State of Origin gameAudio

Updated 04/07/2007 15:45:08

And now we're joined from the PNG capital, Port Moresby, for a national update on the election by our Pacific correspondent, Campbell Cooney.

Papua: US Congressman barred from visiting PapuaAudio

Updated 04/07/2007 15:46:24

The U-S Congressman from American Samoa has been barred from visiting Papua by the Indonesian government. The Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has been told his presence in the troubled region could spark violence.

FIJI:Tourism project contributed to Bridgecorp collapseAudio

Updated 04/07/2007 15:48:18

Fiji's troubled Momi Bay Residential and Resort Development was one of the precipitating factors behind the collapse of the New Zealand, company Bridgecorp. After the coup last year, building work at Momi Bay, was halted delaying vital payments to Bridgecorp.

PNG: Women advised to arm themselves for protectionAudio

Updated 04/07/2007 10:37:09

An increase in sexual crimes in the Papua New Guinea city of Lae, especially rape, has resulted in women and girls being advised to arm themselves for protection. Police have recently been reported as saying that women and girls should carry pocket knives to defend themselves if they're confronted by men.

VANUATU:Two men charged over Surpeme Court arsonAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 10:39:26

Vanuatu Police have charged two men with arson over the burning down of the country's Supreme Court building three weeks ago. Deputy Police Commissioner, Arthur Caulton says the men told the police they did it on their own accord, but police suspect they were used by others who had cases pending before the supreme court.

PNG:Interoil says big drop in its stock price is based on wrong informAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 10:40:39

The stocks of one of PNG's leading gas companies have plummeted on the Toronto stock exchange. Interoil, the main company behind the newly-announced gas processing plant for Port Moresby, has lost 45-percent of its value in two days.

SOLOMON IS: Outrage over moves to sell off fishing companyAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 10:42:24

The Premier of Solomon Islands' Western Province is outraged at moves by the government to sell off its majority share in the country's premier fishing company, Soltai. Premier Alex Lokopio has gone to Honiara to try to talk Prime Minister Sogavare and his Fisheries Minister out of the sale.

Tonga: National broadcaster still banned from parliamentAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 10:44:24

The Tonga Broadcasting Commission says it is still being denied access to the country's parliament, despite assurances a ban has been lifted. The prime minister's office says a ban on the TBC's daily reports from parliament was lifted after an apology but the TBC
says that's simply not true.

NZ: Wide ranging sanctions against FiiAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2007 12:10:40

The New Zealand Government has announced wide ranging sanctions against the military regime in Fiji. Among the moves is the tightening of travel restrictions and contacts between officials of the two countries will be limited further.

Tonga: Govenment says broadcasting ban not its decisionAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 15:33:55

The Tongan government says the decision to ban the state run broadcaster from Parliament was taken by the Legislative Assembly. The Tonga Broadcasting Commission says its been unable to run daily reports on parliamentary business since June 14th, when it was banned from accessing video and audio tapes of the days proceedings.

SOLOMON IS: Former Finance Minister says PM ungodlyAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2007 15:33:55

A Solomon Islands MP and former Finance Minister says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare should not to use the name of God in his political games. The MP for West Vonavona, Peter Boyers says the manner in which the Prime Minister came to office and his leadership style so far do not reflect well on his claims.

FIJI: Tourism boost needed to avoid economic crisisAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2007 15:35:09

Fiji's tourism needs to improve drastically to avoid a looming economic crisis according to an Australian based Fiji academic. Dr Satish Chand told a public forum at the University of the South Pacific today that all the warning signs of a worsening economy are there.

PNG: Day four of peaceful voting in general electionAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 15:36:53

Day four of voting in Papua New Guinea's general election and heavy security appears to be paying off with early signs of a peaceful turnout. Voting began on Saturday in an 11-day polling period.

AUST: climate change to cause instability in regionAudio

Updated 03/07/2007 17:24:51

The Australian Government's defence think-tank says climate change will multiply the threats in the Asia Pacific - from climate refugees to natural disasters to military patrols to stop illegal fishing. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute says climate change could cause greater instability in Asia and the South Pacific because of resource conflict, changes in food production patterns, higher temperatures and variable rainfall.

PNG: Election voting peaceful in the Southern HighlandsAudio

Updated 02/07/2007 10:43:56

This time five years ago there were calls for PNG's national election to be declared null and void amid violence and alleged corruption. However, this time around it appears to be a very different story.

PNG: Voting underway in general electionAudio

Updated 02/07/2007 10:45:12

The general election in Papua New Guinea is underway, with the first votes cast in the country's Southern Highlands province on Saturday. More than two thousand candidates are standing, only 110 of them women.

PNG: Voting staggered amid tight securityAudio

Updated 02/07/2007 10:46:59

Voting is underway in Papua New Guinea's national election. To ensure that polling can be done in all areas, and to help avoid the violence which left many people dead five years ago, the voting is staggered across the country, to allow officials and security personnel get to each area.

PNG:Big super fund to invest in Solomons, Vanuatu and Fiji