September 2007
NZ: No change in Pacific policy under National
Updated 27/09/2007 12:04:27
New Zealand's opposition National Party is unlikely to drastically change the country's policy towards the Pacific is it wins next year's election, according to it's leader, John Key. Mr Key has just returned from a visit to Samoa, where the majority of New Zealand's Pacific islands people come from. The National Party are currently polling well ahead of the ruling Labour Party, and if that translates into votes, it could even govern without the support of smaller parties. John Key says if he does win the election in 2008, the only real change in Pacific policy is likely to be that the region gets proportionally more of New Zealand's aid budget.
Nauru: Weightlifter sent home in disgrace
Updated 27/09/2007 12:04:27
Heat, humidty and dissapointments for the Pacific weightlifting's stars at the World Weightlifting Championships in Thailand has led to the banishment of one if it's brightest stars.
FIJI: Human Rights report concerned at 2006 election bias
Updated 27/09/2007 16:04:39
The Fiji Human Rights Commission defends its report of Inquiry investigating the 2006 general elections. One of three Commissioners conducting the investigation Dr David Neilson denies claims that the Human Rights Commossion was not the correct body to conduct the inquiry. According to the report The Human Rights Commission's terms of reference of the quasi judicial public inquiry are grounded in human rights principles as laid down by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The SDL party investigated by the Commission disagrees claiming that if necessary, the inquiry should have been appointed by the president under the Commission of Inquiry Act and not by the Fiji Human Rights Commission. Dr Nielson says they followed closely the terms of reference submitted to them on their appointment.
SOLOMON IS: Opposition wants dialogue on Ramsi.
Updated 27/09/2007 16:04:39
The Solomon Islands opposition leader, Fred Fono, says the Prime Minister and the Ramsi Special Coordinator should talk to each other about difficult issues instead of going to the media. He says exchanging views through the media would only give the wrong signal to those groups with an interest in Ramsi, including Pacific Island governments. Mr Fono made the call following a series of strong exchanges between senior Ramsi officials, Prime Minister Sogavare and his Attorney General, Julian Moti.
Solomon Islands: Opinion survey defended
Updated 27/09/2007 16:04:39
The leader of the team conducting a survey of public attitudes in Solomon Islands has defended its results from criticism from the country's Prime Minister. So far, results indicating widespread support for the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI have been released. But the results have been released as RAMSI is at loggerheads with the Solomon government over its future and leadership, and that's leader Prime Minister Manessah Sogavare to discredit its findings.
Tonga: Democracy movement confronts government over reform
Updated 27/09/2007 16:04:39
Tonga's pro-democracy movement is preparing to hold demonstrations and engage in civil disobedience in protest at the decision to implement political reform in 2010. A tripartite committee of reform has agreed that under a new system parliament will have 17 MPs elected by the people, nine by the nobles, and four ministers selected by the king. The committee couldn't agree on when to introduce the change, so the decision was made by Parliament, which voted to implement the changes in 2010. Pro-democracy Movement leader and MP, Akilisi Pohiva, says his group wants it to happen in time for next year's election.
French Polynesia: Paris moves to end political instability
Updated 26/09/2007 14:57:44
French Polynesia's political leaders have been given two weeks to comment on proposed changes to the territory's electoral system. Since its last scheduled national elections in 2004, French Polynesia has had five presidents. The latest, Oscar Temaru, returned to office earlier this month, after MP's from his pro independence party, joined with members of the Pro France party, to pass a motion of no confidence in Gaston Tong Sang, who's only held the President's office since January. But Tahiti's political masters in Paris have had enough, and next month will legislate changes to French Polynesia's political system, which they hope will inject stability.
Pacific: PNG Seabed mineral results good news for whole region
Updated 26/09/2007 14:57:44
The latest drilling results from Papua New Guinea's undersea gold and copper reserves are so significant that they will be seen as a major landmark in world mining opening up a new industry that will stretch from Papua New Guinea across to Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga. That's the conclusion of David Heydon, President and CEO of Nautilus Minerals, the world's leading undersea mining company, after announcing the drilling results in Vancouver, Canada. In the past six months Nautilus has discovered four major new seafloor deposits in Papua New Guinea waters and conducted 140 days of sea-based electromagnetic survey work and ocean-floor drilling. David Heydon says the results of the drilling program mean plans for Papua New Guinea to be the first country in the world to begin commercial sea-bed mining are on-track.
Solomon Islands: People want RAMSI to remain
Updated 26/09/2007 14:57:45
An overwhelming majority of Solomon Islanders want the Australia-led Regional Assistance Mission to continue with its work in the country. This is one of the key findings of an independent nation-wide survey of how Ramsi is performing against its objectives. It found that more than 90 percent of the people want Ramsi to remain - and 80 percent feared a return of violence if Ramsi was to leave soon. The Deputy Special Coordinator of Ramsi, Jonathan Austin says while the survey showed improvements in many areas, there's concerns about corruption, lack of accountability and the adverse effects of logging.
Pacific: NGO calls for European kava restrictions to end
Updated 26/09/2007 14:57:45
It's being claimed that European restrictions on Kava imports have cost Pacific exporters more than a billion US dollars. That's according to PANG, the Pacific Network on Globalisation, based in Suva. The organisation's co-ordinator, Roshni Sami, says although outright bans on kava have been removed, concerns about the health impact of kava have led to severe restrictions, amounting to a trade barrier. She says a new report from the World Health Organisation shows that pharmaceutical products made with kava are safe, and European nations should drop their objections.
SOLS: One Laptop Per Child pilot scheme being set up
Updated 25/09/2007 16:09:52
A project which aims to eventually provide every child in the Pacific islands with a laptop computer linked to the internet is launching a trial of the idea in Solomon islands. A group of internet activists from New Zealand, Australia the Solomon Islands and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community want to see how the worldwide One Laptop Per Child initiative might work in our region.
WPAPUA: mysterious deaths of dozens of people
Updated 25/09/2007 16:11:19
The Coalition of West Papuan people is asking the Indonesian government to investigate the mysterious deaths of scores of people in the past month. West Papua lecturer in genocidal studies at Yale University in the United States, Octovianus Mote claims people have been dying after eating and drinking poisoned alcohol and food.
PNG: Govt to find land to relocate West Papuans
Updated 25/09/2007 16:14:53
Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister Doctor Puka Temu says the PNG government will find suitable land to relocate nearly 100 West Papuans. The land they have lived on for the past 20 years in Port Moresby has been reclaimed by its owner for redevelopment.
PACIFIC: Europeans accused of being tuna pirates
Updated 25/09/2007 16:15:46
Greenpeace has accused major European fishing nations of becoming tuna pirates in the South Pacific. A report from the environmental group says seven of the eleven pirate-fishing incidents in the Pacific this year involved boats owned by European companies based in Spain and Holland.
FIJI: Sugar industry needs immediate injection of funds
Updated 25/09/2007 16:16:35
Fiji's sugar industry needs an immediate injection of funds if this year's planting is to remain viable. The Chairman of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, Jain Kumar says the interim government will have to pay back more than four million Fiji dollars to the Council if funds promised by the European Union continue to be withheld.
SOLOMON IS: Police not aware of Moti assassination claim.
Updated 25/09/2007 16:28:41
Solomon Islands Police say they are NOT aware of any plot to assassinate the country's Attorney General, Julian Moti. Police Commissioner Jahir Khan says the police have not been informed of any such plans and the Solomon Islands Opposition leader, Fred Fono says if there IS such a threat, then Mr Moti should take it to the proper authorities - not the media.
Samoa: Website puts personal faces on microcredit loans
Updated 24/09/2007 15:47:38
A new internet-based microcredit scheme is being hailed as an alternative source of funds for people in developing countries who need small business loans. The website kiva dot org allows individuals to make small interest free loans, typically 25 dollars, to people who want to expand their businesses and trade their way out of poverty.
FIJI: Expert says Interim PM wants to tell his story
Updated 24/09/2007 15:48:51
An expert on Fiji politics says the point of interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama's address to the UN this week is to tell his version of the coup story to the international community. Professor of Pacific and Asian History at the Australian National University, Brij Lal doesn't think the international community can be persuaded by Commodore Bainimarama to soften its approach to Fiji for a number of reasons.
American Samoa: Full US citizenship question on '08 ballot
Updated 24/09/2007 15:51:51
American Samoans could be voting on whether they want full US citizenship at next year's election. The American territory's representative in Washington, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has introduced a bill in congress, directing the government to put questions about American Samoa's political status, democratic process, and federal relationship on the ballot.
SOLOMONS: PM says RAMSI review going ahead
Updated 24/09/2007 15:55:08
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Minister Mannaseh Sogavare says his government will shortly go ahead with plans to review the Regional Assistance Mission. Both Mr Sogavare and his Attorney General, Julian Moti have criticised the Ramsi leadership for speaking out against the review.
FIJI: Commodore warns against a coup in his absence
Updated 24/09/2007 15:55:30
Fiji's interim prime minister has warned against attempts to overthrow his government while he is in New York later this week. Fiji's media reports the warning comes after several such attempts in past years while Commodore Frank Bainimarama was out of the country.
FIJI: Shortage of skills amongst young regional problem
Updated 24/09/2007 15:51:23
A leading educationalist in Fiji says a shortage of skills amongst young people is a region-wide problem. The Director-General of Fiji's Training and Productivity Authority, Jone Usamate, has told a Human Resources Institute convention in Suva, that Fiji is suffering major skill shortages and that moves towards corporatisation and privatisation are not helping.
SOLOMON IS: Ramsi contributors be consulted.
Updated 24/09/2007 16:36:23
The head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands has raised concerns about a proposed review of the legislation that provides the legal framework for the mission's presence in the country. The Special Co-ordinator of RAMSI, Tim George says contributing countries should be involved in any move by the Sogavare government to amend the Facilitatation of International Assistance Act.
SAMOA: Annual talks with neighbours underway in Apia
Updated 21/09/2007 14:59:08
The annual inter-governmental talks between Samoa and American Samoa underway in Apia hope to resolve the controversial system of visas between the two nations. Until recently only Samoans were required to have visas to travel between the two countries.
SOLOMON IS: Ramsi challenges Moti and PM
Updated 21/09/2007 15:01:11
The head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands has questioned the intentions of a government review of the RAMSI act. The government's planned review comes just months after the Pacific Islands Forum completed its own review of the Australia led mission.
AUST: Backing for Pacific seasonal workers
Updated 21/09/2007 15:00:28
An Australian Parliamentary inquiry has called for a special investment scheme in the South Pacific and backed the idea of Pacific workers doing seasonal jobs in Australia. The Parliament study says the Australian Government should give active and serious consideration to a Pacific workers program.
PNG: Police injured in stone throwing brawl
Updated 21/09/2007 16:45:08
Papua New Guinea police are investigating a rock throwing brawl during a fire in which several policemen were injured in the PNG highlands. P-N-G's Highlands Police Commander, Simon Kauba says looters threw rocks and missiles at policemen who tried to stop them from stealing goods from two burning shops during the incident on Thursday.
KIRIBATI: Voting next for President
Updated 20/09/2007 16:06:17
The general elections in Kiribati are over, but the country will be back at the polling booth next month to vote for president. It is still unclear which party will be the strongest in the parliament but it appears that the former majority party under President Anote Tong, Boutokan Te Koaua, will secure the most members after the Presidential elections.
FRENCH POLY; Economy suffering from political instability
Updated 20/09/2007 16:05:16
In French Polynesia, there are claims that the ongoing political instability is destabilising the economy. The newly elected President Oscar Temaru yesterday presented a 16-member government after being re-elected President for the third time in three years.
NAURU: Claims Taiwanese cash won General Election
Updated 20/09/2007 16:10:35
The Australian Government has welcomed the re-election of the reformist government in Nauru which late last month won a landslide election victory. Over the past three years, the government led by President Ludwig Scotty has pulled Nauru - once the second richest nation per head on earth - back from the brink of bankruptcy.
FIJI: Claims Human Rights election inquiry laughable
Updated 20/09/2007 16:52:34
aome of Fiji's senior public servants have condemned the Human Rights Commission inquiry into the 2006 elections. The former supervisor of elections Semesa Karavaki and former deputy prime minister Tupeni Baba claim the report is laughable and "not worth the paper it's written on".
SOLOMON IS: Honiara riots were planned
Updated 20/09/2007 16:17:51
A Solomon Islands government inquiry has found there is evidence to suggest the Honiara riots in April last year were planned and not spontaneous as some have claimed. The Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry into the riots, Sam Tagana says this is one of the findings of the second preliminary report of the Commission.
SAMOA: Website puts personal faces on microcredit loans
Updated 20/09/2007 16:27:14
A new internet-based microcredit scheme is being hailed as an alternative source of funds for people in developing countries who need small business loans. The website kiva dot org allows individuals to make small interest free loans, typically 25 dollars, to people who want to expand their businesses and trade their way out of poverty.
GUAM: Talks with Okinawa over US marine relocation
Updated 20/09/2007 16:56:08
The governors of Guam and Okinawa have been holding talks over the planned relocation of thousands of marines to the US island territory. Under the plan, eight-thousand US marines and their nine-thousand dependents will be moved from Okinawa to Guam.
SOLS: Forum officials disappointed over cancelled meeting
Updated 19/09/2007 16:12:30
Pacific Islands Forum officials says they're disappointed about the cancellation of talks with the Solomon Islands government on the future of the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI. This follows the cancellation yesterday of a tripatite consultative meeting in Honiara.
PNG: PM outlines economic plan for the future
Updated 19/09/2007 16:12:31
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare says his government will improve and expand on the economic gains by his previous government for a better future for its people. He says his ministers will help him deliver a promise he made five years ago, to create employment, promote investment and economic growth.
PNG:Awarded historically high credit rating
Updated 19/09/2007 16:12:38
Papua New Guinea has had more good economic news with the international credit ratings agency Standard and Poors raising its long-term foreign currency rating from B to B-plus.The move comes as other Pacific Island countries, such as Fiji, face a negative outlook for their ratings.
TONGA: Top US military commander on official visit
Updated 19/09/2007 16:16:01
The top US military commander in the Pacific Admiral Timothy Keating has made an official visit to Tonga, the first US Pacific commander to visit the country in more than two decades. A US Pacific command spokesman says the visit was an orientation for the new Commander, who took up the post in March.
FIJI: Criticism of NZ & Aus refusal to sign UN declaration
Updated 19/09/2007 16:18:13
A Suva based NGO claims Australia and New Zealand's refusal to sign the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights undermines their positions in the Pacific. The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre has described the agreement as a moral document that can be used as a strong advocacy tool to protect indigenous rights.
Fiji: NGO's paid by Australia & NZ says Bainimarama
Updated 19/09/2007 16:13:28
Fiji's interim prime minister has hit back at criticism of his imposition of emergency regulations from non-government organisations. The Citizens Constitutional Forum and the Pacific Center for Public Integrity have strongly disagreed with the action, prompting interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama to say that they should "shut up".
SOLOMON IS: Western Provinvce premier blames govt system
Updated 18/09/2007 15:51:51
The premier of Solomon Islands' Western Province has blamed the current central, or unitary system of government for the country's social and economic problems. Premier Alex Lokopio says the ethnic crisis would not have happened if the provinces had more power under a federal system of government.
AUSTRALIA: Govt urged to protect Coral Sea
Updated 18/09/2007 15:52:15
Conservationists have urged the Australian government to give full enviromental protection to the part of the Coral Sea that falls under Australian juristiction. Conservationists say the area, which lies north east of Australia and to the west of Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands, is vunerable to illegal fishing and oil and gas prospecting.
PACIFIC:ADB revises down 2007 growth predictions
Updated 18/09/2007 15:53:01
The Asian development Bank has revised down its growth predictions for the Pacific in 2007. The latest Asian development Outlook report says overall growth for the region is expected to be three-point-five-percent .. that's a full percentage point lower than its earlier prediction.
PNG: $25-million boost for child tuberculosis
Updated 18/09/2007 16:48:32
The World Health Organisation representative in PNG hopes a 25 million-US dollar funding boost to the country's tuberculosis program will help combat childhood tuberculosis. Doctor Eigil Sorensen says the prevalence of TB amongst children in PNG is high and the nature of the treatment makes it very costly for Papua New Guinea.
RUGBY: Tonga beats Samoa at World Cup
Updated 17/09/2007 15:58:59
Tonga has recorded an historic win over rivals Samoa at the Rugby Union World Cup in France. It's the first time the teams have met at a World Cup since the tournament began 20 years ago.
MARSHALL IS: Internet crash prompts moves to privatise telecom
Updated 17/09/2007 15:59:51
In the Marshall Islands, legislation has been introduced into parliament to break up the government monopoly on telecommunitcations. The move comes after a series of internet and email failures caused outrage amongst business people, teachers and people trying to surf the web from home.
FIJI: Lawyer says appeal court judges should have stayed
Updated 17/09/2007 16:04:55
One of Fiji's leading lawyers has expressed disappoinment at the decision by five New Zealand and one Australian judge to quit the Appeals Court. Vipul Mishra who is acting on behalf of Mahendra Chaudhry in a compensation case against the interim government feels it would have been better for the country if they had stayed on.
FRENCH POLY: new President to go to Paris
Updated 17/09/2007 16:06:46
The newly elected President of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru plans to fly to France this week to ask French President Nicolas Sarkozy to postpone the next presidential elections. The French government wants to dissolve the Territorial Assembly within three months to implement a new electoral law which would mean another election for President.
PNG: speculation Oil Search subject of $5billion bid
Updated 17/09/2007 16:08:15
Stock market shares in Papua New Guinea's biggest oil field operator, Oil Search, have had their biggest gain in five years following speculation that China National Petroleum Corp is interested in bidding for the company. The South China Morning Post says Oil Search may get a bid for as much as five billion dollars from China National and its Hong Kong listed unit PetroChina Company.
NZ: Pacific political power highlighted in Mayoral campaign
Updated 17/09/2007 16:09:17
Upcoming local body elections in New Zealand are focusing attention on the role of Pacific island voters in at least two key races. There's been a push for more representation for Maori and Pacific representatives, in Manukau City and Waitakere - two local authorities in the greater Auckland area.
PACIFIC: Call for stricter controls on shark fishing
Updated 17/09/2007 16:10:26
Pacific countries have been urged to implement stricter shark management practices following the release of a new report. The report, commissioned by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, was carried out in conjuction with the United Nations Environment Program.
PACIFIC: UN declaration of rights of indigenous people
Updated 17/09/2007 16:11:46
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a declaration protecting the rights of the world's indigenous people. The Declaration is non-binding and was strongly opposed by four countries - Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
PACIFIC: Call to restrict tuna fishing
Updated 14/09/2007 13:11:35
Greenpeace is calling on Pacific countries to stand up to foreign countries fishing for tuna in their waters. Industry and government representatives from around the world are meeting in Port Moresby this week to discuss trade opportunities at the 2007 Tuna Forum.
PNG:Oxfam calls for conditions on Tolukuma mine sale
Updated 14/09/2007 13:11:35
Oxfam says the sale of Papua New Guinea's Tolukuma gold mine should include conditions that the new owner continues to work with landowners to minimize the negative impact of the mine on surrounding communities and the environment. Earlier this week the current owner, Emperor Mines, announced its intention to sell Tolukuma.
PNG: Expert predicts fallout from Moti decision
Updated 14/09/2007 13:12:39
An expert on PNG politics is predicting widespread fallout from the court ruling dismissing Prime Minster Somare's attempt to have the Defence Board of Inquiry report into the Moti affair quashed. Anthony Regan, a Fellow in the State Society and Governance in Melanesia program at the Australian National University says the report has uncovered deep seated corruption and accountabilty problems.
PACIFIC: Region must be savvy to attract Chinese tourists
Updated 14/09/2007 13:15:23
The head of the Pacific's China trade office says the region must be market-savvy about attracting the lucrative Chinese tourist. The head of mission at the Pacific Islands Forum trade office in China, Rohan Ellis, says the Pacific can benefit from attracting the niche, high-end Chinese tourist market.
PACIFIC: Thousands to clean up rubbish
Updated 14/09/2007 13:19:51
Thousands of people across the Pacific are set to take part in this weekend's Clean Up the World celebrations.The environmental campaign, born from the Clean Up Australia Day, is now looking to limit the impact of climate change in the region.
NEW CALEDONIA:Trade with Australia growing
Updated 14/09/2007 15:44:28
New Caledonia sees more potential for growth in trade between the French territory and the region. Business leaders attending the Australia New Caledonia Business mini-forum in Townsville say they are pleased with the response from Australian investors.
FIJI: Compensation case needs urgent resolution
Updated 14/09/2007 15:43:20
In Fiji, a solicitor acting for a group of Labour Party MP's held hostage during the George Speight coup in 2000, has called for the urgent resolution of their case. Vipul Mishra says compensation should be paid to his clients including Mahendra Chaudhry and several others, who were held hostage for up to 56 days.
AUS: Downer welcomes PNG court ruling on Moti report
Updated 14/09/2007 15:43:20
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has welcomed a Papua New Guinea court's rejection of a challenge to the military inquiry into the Julian Moti affair. Mr Downer says he is now looking forward to the publication of the Board of Inquiry report.
SOLOMON IS: Sogavare called on to apologise to Somare.
Updated 14/09/2007 15:43:32
Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Fred Fono says Prime Minister Sogavare should apologise to his Papua New Guinea counterpart over the whole Julian Moti Saga.
French Polynesia Assembly elects Oscar Temaru as President
Updated 14/09/2007 15:43:52
The French Polynesia Assembly has elected pro-independent Tavini party leader Oscar Temaru as President. Former president Gaston Tong Sang was toppled in August by a motion of no-confidence supported by the pro-autonomy and pro-independant parties.
SOLOMON IS: Giant African Snail presence worry.
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:52
Solomon Islands authorities fear the spread of the destructive Giant African Snail could seriously affect the country's food supplies.This follows the recent discovery of the pest by a farmer in the Fox Wood area east of Honiara.
FRENCH POL: Assembly votes for president Friday
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:52
In French Polynesia, three candidates will compete tomorrow for the Presidency. The Territory Assembly was expected to vote on Monday but pro-independent Tavini party members didn't show up and then on Tuesday the French Council of State handed down a ruling on the majority required to win the Presidency.
SOLS: Aviation company trying to recover unpaid fees
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:52
The Australian aviation company trying to recover unpaid aircraft lease fees from Solomon Airlines, says it is talking to the Solomons government about finding a solution that will avoid court proceedings. SkyAirWorld chief executive, David Charlton, and other members of the company are in Honiara, hoping to negotiate a compromise - they want the right to operate the Honiara-Brisbane route themselves.
NZ: Top lawyers dismiss Fiji Human Rights Comm report
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:53
Three of New Zealand's top lawyers believe the Fiji Human Rights Commission report into the legality of the December coup can't be taken seriously. The President of the New Zealand Law Commission, Sir Geoffrey Palmer says the Fiji Human Rights Commission is also acting beyond its function and should not be producing reports supporting the events of December 2006.
PNG: Transparency International welcomes Moti ruling
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:53
The Transparency International chapters in PNG and Solomon Islands have welcomed the court decision on the Moti inquiry. Chairman of Transparency International PNG, Mike Manning says if the court says so, then the recommendations of the Defence Force Board of inquiry to lay charges against the Prime Minister and others should be implemented.
PNG: Defence lawyer says Moti report now public
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:53
The lawyer for the Defense Board of Inquiry, Copeland Raurala says the report into the escape of fugitive Australian lawyer Julian Moti can now be made public.
PNG: PM to appeal Moti inquiry ruling
Updated 13/09/2007 16:01:53
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's attempts to quash the findings of an inquiry into the escape of Australian lawyer Julian Moti, to the Solomon Island in a PNG military plane last year, is far from over. He is appealing a national court decision, which dismissed his challenge to quash a PNG Defence Force Board of Inquiry's findings to the Supreme Court.
AMERICAN SAMOA: Lt Governor released on bail
Updated 12/09/2007 15:53:23
In American Samoa, the Lieutenant Governor and Territorial Senator have been charged with corruption and released on bail. Lieutenant Governor Aitofele Sunia and Senator Tulifua Tini Lam-Yuen have been charged with fraud, bribery and obstruction and will appear in court next month in Washington DC.
FIJI: Court denies human rights intervention
Updated 12/09/2007 15:53:48
Fiji's acting chief justice Anthony Gates has denied the ougoing Human Rights Director permission to act as an intevener in the case by ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase against the interim government. The court ruled that Doctor Shaista Shameem can act as a friend of the court in an advisory capacity.
PNG: Enga province declared "fighting zone"
Updated 12/09/2007 15:56:44
Papua New Guinea's Enga Province has been declared a "fighting zone". The peace and good order committee in the province made the decision after tribal violence erupted outside the Amapyaka Lutheran International School.
PNG:Good reports on Marengo copper mine prospect
Updated 12/09/2007 15:58:07
A new copper mine near Madang in Papua New Guinea is getting good reports from stock broking houses.The project, wholly owned by Marengo mining, is located 95 kilometres south west of Madang.
VANUATU: MSG to discuss observer status for WPapua
Updated 12/09/2007 15:59:28
The Melanesian Spearhead Group - or MSG - will discuss granting West Papua observer status at a meeting in the next few weeks in Port Vila.The Australia West Papua Association and the Free Papua Movement based in Port Vila are behind the proposal.
NZ: Could cyber-attacks target Pacific governments?
Updated 12/09/2007 15:52:56
An worldwide attempt to use the internet to get military secrets from Western nations has apparently also affected Australia and New Zealand and while neither Canberra nor Wellington will comment on the identity of the source of the cyber-assaults, sources are pointing at China. If this is happening to developed western nations with well-developed defences against electronic eavesdropping, could smaller Pacific island nations be even more at risk from espionage?
PNG: PM Somare loses Moti report court case
Updated 12/09/2007 17:01:14
In Papua New Guinea, Judge Bernard Sakora has dismissed prime minister Sir Michael's Somare's case against the defence board of inquiry. Sir Michael was asking the court to dismiss the findings of an inquiry into the escape, of Australian lawyer Julian Moti.
PNG: PM distances himself from climate change deal
Updated 11/09/2007 12:25:57
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has distanced himself from a declaration on climate change made at the APEC summit in Sydney. Sir Michael says PNG will have "difficulty" subscribing to the declaration which includes a target to increase forest cover in the region by at least 20 million hectares by 2020.
Fiji: Indo-Fijians not interested in anti-coup protests
Updated 11/09/2007 12:26:53
Indo-Fijians living overseas have been apathetic about protesting against the military coup in their homeland, according to an Auckland-based democracy activist. A spokesman for the New Zealand organisation the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji, Nick Naidu, says that overseas Indo-Fijians who were very active and vocal during past coups in 1987 and 2000, have largely remained silent about the present situation in Fiji.
PNG:Nasfund assets top one billion kina
Updated 11/09/2007 12:28:23
The assets of Papua New Guinea's National Superannuation Fund - Nasfund - have reached the one billion Kina Mark for the first time, equivalent to more than 420-million Australian dollars. The news came as Nasfund continues its expansion in Solomon Islands and announced plans to build a major new commercial and residential development just outside the centre of Port Moresby.
PACIFIC:Emperor to sell Tolukuma gold mine
Updated 11/09/2007 15:42:49
Emperor Mines is to sell the troubled Tolukuma gold mine in Papua New Guinea - its last reamining operational mine in the Pacific.
Earlier this year, Emperor sold the 71 year-old Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji and last month it concluded a deal to sell its 20-percent stake in PNG's Porgera mine.
PNG: Australia-Pacific Technical College Opens
Updated 11/09/2007 15:44:14
Australia's Prime Minister John Howard is making good his promise to assist Pacific Islands countries in technical and vocational training. Less than a year after announcing his intention to Pacific Islands Forum leaders, the Australia-Pacific Technical College has been opened in Port Moresby.
NZ: Another step in strengthening relations with US
Updated 11/09/2007 15:46:40
New Zealand appears to have taken another step towards strengthening relations with the US following top-level talks this week in Auckland. The Partnership Forum as it is known - brought together key political, diplomatic and business representatives from both countries
FIJI: Human Rights Commission wants to be intervener in Qarase case
Updated 11/09/2007 15:47:51
Fiji's outgoing Director of the Human Rights Commission, Doctor Shaishta Shameem, will hear tomorrow if the High Court will allow her to act as an intevener in the Qarase case against the interim government. Doctor Shameem told judges in the case, Acting Chief Justice Anthony Gates and Justice John Byrnes that she wants to act as an intervener in the case and cross-examine a number of witnesses.
Fiji: Australian invasion "highly unlikely" says analyst
Updated 11/09/2007 15:47:19
Claims by Fiji's interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, that Australia planned to send military forces to Fiji have been questioned by a defence analyst in New Zealand. Commodore Bainimarama says the Chief of the Australian Defence Forces called and threatened him just days before the December coup last year and that proves that there were plans to send troops to Fiji.
FIJI: European Union considering suspending aid
Updated 11/09/2007 15:48:35
The European Union is considering suspending millions of dollars in aid to Fiji. The EU says there was no justification for the military to re-introduce emergency regulations but Fiji may have already found an alternative source of funds through a 500 million U-S dollar loan from the U-S based Asia bank.
Fiji: Judges resignation challenges rule of law says lawyer
Updated 10/09/2007 12:12:27
The resignation of six expatriate judges from Fiji's Court of Appeal could have serious ramifications for the entire judicial system, according to a New Zealand-based lawyer who practises in Fiji. Janet Mason, who is Fijian, says divisions in the judiciary over the suspension of the former Chief Justice, Daniel Fateiaki, and his replacement by the current Chief Justice, Anthony Gates, are seriously challenging the rule of law in the country.
Fiji: Hindu group welcomes emergency law
Updated 10/09/2007 16:47:59
A Hindu religious organisation in Fiji says the reimposition of emergency regulations will help control the growing law and order problem. The military-installed interim government has reimposed the laws, which give the security forces greater power to clamp down on public disorder.
SAMOA: South Pacific games come to a close
Updated 10/09/2007 16:49:57
To Apia, Samoa now where fireworks, rock music and tradition combined to end one of the most ambitious events in the country's history - the South Pacific Games. At the end of two weeks of competition, New Caledonia once again topped the medals tally scooping 90 gold medals.
AUS: Normal conctacts to be resumed with PNG
Updated 10/09/2007 16:51:20
Australia's formal freeze on Ministerial contacts with Papua New Guinea has been called off. Normal contacts are to be resumed after talks in Sydney at the weekend between the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
PACIFIC:NGO's at APEC criticise free trade
Updated 10/09/2007 16:52:12
Non-government organisations from 16 countries say APEC is creating poverty and misery by its support for free trade deals and privatisation. The NGO's meet in Sydney in the lead-up to the APEC leaders summit.
PNG: Church dismisses buried alive claims
Updated 10/09/2007 16:53:35
The people of Yangome Village in the Tari area of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province are outraged at media reports that they buried alive their relatives with HIV-Aids. Local newspaper reports recently quoted a woman who claimed that she had witnessed many people sick with the disease being buried alive.
Fiji: Weekend quiet as emergency laws take effect
Updated 10/09/2007 16:54:39
The reimposition of a state of emergency in Fiji has not led to any visible signs, such as roadblocks or soldiers on the streets.The laws, which at this stage will be in effect for 30 days, forbid public gatherings without prior approval from the Commissioner of Police, intimidation, acts of threats of violence or any other disorderly behaviour and any action that will hinder public safety.
FRENCH POLY: Gaston Tong Sang runs for re-election
Updated 10/09/2007 16:49:10
In French Polynesia, three candidates will contest the Presidency tomorrow. Gaston Flosse's group, the pro-autonomy Tahoera'a party, which supports French sovereignty, has chosen Deputy President Edouard Fritch as its candidate while the pro-independence Tavini party, Union for Democracy, has picked Oscar Temaru.
FIJI: Military concerned at Qarase comments
Updated 07/09/2007 13:42:46
Fiji's military led government has reintroduced the Public Emergency Regulations for a period of up to 30 days.The military held a news conference late yesterday afternoon to announce the details of the regulations.
KIRIBATI: President Tong returns majority.
Updated 07/09/2007 13:44:38
In Kiribati, President Anote Tong is likely to return to power following the recent national elections. After last week's run-off poll, 17 members of President Tong's former government have been returned.
Fiji: Human Rights Commissoner criticises climate of fear
Updated 07/09/2007 13:46:15
The reimposition of a state of emergency in Fiji has resulted in a climate of fear, according to one of the country's Human Rights Commissioners. Shamima Ali says the move has created a lot of uncertainty among people, and set back progress towards reconciliation and a return to democracy.
Fiji: Opposition leader says emergency is an 'overreaction'
Updated 07/09/2007 13:48:32
Fiji's opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says the reimposition of a state of emergency is an overreaction on the part of the interim government. The former United Peoples Party leader says the move will have very negative consequences for the country.
Fiji: NGO calls for more international sanctions
Updated 07/09/2007 14:36:00
A Fiji-based regional non-government organisation has called for further international sanctions to be imposed on Fiji. The Pacific Center for Public Integrity says the reimposition of a state of emergency has taken Fiji back to square one.
Fiji: Negative reaction to state of emergency
Updated 07/09/2007 16:19:12
The international community has responded very strongly against the interim Fiji government's reimposition of emergency regulations. They forbid public gatherings without prior approval from the Commissioner of Police, intimidation, acts of threats of violence or any other disorderly behaviour, and any action that will hinder public safety.
FIJI: Travel industry needs to be savvy to attract Chinese
Updated 07/09/2007 16:19:12
The head of the Pacific's China trade office says the region must be market-savvy about attracting the lucrative Chinese tourist.The head of mission at the Pacific Islands Forum trade office in China, Rohan Ellis, says the Pacific can benefit from attracting the niche, high-end Chinese tourist market.
AUS: Downer says Fiji's military regime flailing around
Updated 07/09/2007 16:20:26
Australia's Foreign Minister says Fiji's military government is flailing around re-imposing emergency rule because the military can't run the country. The Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says aid donors will keep pressure on Fiji, but it's not appropriate to cut aid.
SOLOMONS: Call for judicial inquiry into Moti affair
Updated 06/09/2007 11:26:35
In Solomon Islands, there are calls for a judicial inquiry into the Julian Moti affair. Last week, the controversy was the subject of debate in parliament - with the prime minister coming out strongly in defence of his Attorney-General and now, the Solomon Islands Justice Minister has written a strongly worded letter on the matter to his Vanuatu and Australian counterparts.
FIJI: AG says Qarase a security risk
Updated 06/09/2007 15:52:03
Fiji"s interim attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says recent comments by Laisenia Qarase are a threat to the country's security. He says he supports Commodore Frank Bainimarama's threat to banish Mr Qarase back to Lau if he doesn't "shut-up" as quoted in the local media.
FIJI: Public Emergency regulations reimposed
Updated 06/09/2007 15:54:18
The military led regime says the Public Emergency Regulations are back for a period of 30 days and are directed at ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase and the SDL party member Peceli Kinivuwai. There is also speculation Mr Qarase is to be placed under house arrest but his solicitor Tevita Fa who says its news to him and that it can't be true because of a High Court injuction preventing the military from impeding Mr Qarase's freedom of movement in any way.
Fiji: Academic says emergency surprising & unfortunate
Updated 06/09/2007 15:50:05
The re-imposition of emergency regulations will come as an unwelcome surprise to most people in the country, according to Prominent Fiji academic Doctor Brij Lal. He says the interim government's accusation that deposed prime minister Qarase has been destabilising the country is unusual because he believes Mr Qarase has been quite conciliatory in his public statements since returning from internal exile in the Lau group of islands.
AUST: Downer says Fiji talk of military threat a fantasy
Updated 06/09/2007 16:36:39
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has described Commodore Bainimarama's talk of a military threat from Australia as a fantasy. Commodore Bainimarama told Fiji media that desposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was trying to destabilize the national situation so that he could attract the attention of the Australian Military.
RUGBY: World Cup prepares to kick off in France
Updated 06/09/2007 18:53:22
Rugby Union fans around the world will be looking to France this weekend as the World Cup kicks off with the host nation playing Argentina straight after the opening ceremony. Australia is the only nation to have won rugby's Holy Grail - the Ellis Cup - twice, in 1991 and 1999 but arch-rivals, the mighty All Blacks are the favourites this year.
FIJI: Vatukoula faces closure again today
Updated 05/09/2007 12:33:52
Fiji's Vatukoula gold mine is once again facing closure .. this time over a disputed tax bill. The Customs and Revenue Authority has taken out a garnishee order freezing the bank accounts of the mine's new owners Westech.
FIJI; Judge accuses Chief Justice of interfering in court functions
Updated 05/09/2007 14:25:53
Two judges from Malaysia have been appointed to Fiji's Appeals Court, only a day after five New Zealand and one Australian judge quit. The spokesperson for the six judges, former New Zealand Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum, told Bruce Hill that Chief Justice Anthony Gates has been interfering with the court's functions.
Tonga: Political reform committee deadlocked on date
Updated 05/09/2007 16:47:01
Tonga's parliament may have to make a decision on which year to introduce political reform. That's because the committee set up to look at the issue is divided on whether to have the new system start in 2009 or 2010.
NAURU: Sri Lankan asylum seekers on hunger strike
Updated 05/09/2007 16:46:52
A hunger strike involving 55 of the 82 Sri Lankan asylum seekers detained in Australia's immigration processing centre on Nauru is in its fourth day. So far the Australian government has refused to give them a time frame for the processing of their asylum claims, despite three being hospitalised.
PNG: Judge unhapy with Sir Michael Somare
Updated 05/09/2007 16:46:52
For the second time in two days lawyers acting for prime minister Sir Michael Somare have defied Justice Bernard Sakora's request for the Defence Board of Inquiry report into the Julian Moti affair to be tabled in court. Justice Sakora again made his feelings clear telling Sir Michael's lawyers they are acting irresponsibly and behaving like law school students.
SOLOMONS: Further recognition for JFK rescuer
Updated 04/09/2007 13:16:40
There has been further recognition for the Solomon Islander who helped rescue US naval officer John F Kennedy from Japanese capture 64 years ago during the Second World War. The American government recently celebrated the heroic achievements of Eroni Kumana, during a ceremony on board the visiting American warship USS Peleliu.
PACIFIC:Microfinance organisations adopt new technology
Updated 04/09/2007 13:17:47
Microfinance organisations across the Pacific are to place a top priority on introducing new technology to bring down transaction costs for their clients. That's the outcome of the first meeting of the new Pacifika Microfinance Network which took place in Port Moresby, last week.
NZ: PM says wisdom of Solomon needed on climate change
Updated 04/09/2007 13:19:06
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says world leaders attending this week's APEC summit in Sydney will need the "wisdom of Solomon" to reach any agreement on a timetable to tackle climate change. Their Australian host Prime Minister John Howard has indicated the planet's most pressing environmental challenge will be a key agenda item.
PNG: Gold miners disrupt production for fifth day
Updated 04/09/2007 13:21:10
Papua New Guinea's Lihir Gold mine remains shut disrupting gold production for the fifth straight day. Striking mine workers have accused the company of not localisatising positions and of paying different wages and conditions to local and expatriate employees.
Fiji: Australian Law Society reacts to resignation of six judges
Updated 04/09/2007 16:11:24
Fiji no longer has a functioning judicial system, according to the Law Council of Australia.This follows the resignation of six expatriate judges on the court of appeal - five from New Zealand and one Australian.
PNG: Sir Michael defies court order
Updated 04/09/2007 16:11:30
In Papua New Guinea, Judge Bernard Sakora and lawyers representing prime minister Sir Michael Somare have been involved in a heated exchange. Sir Michael's lawyers failed to table a copy of the Defence Board of Inquiry into the Julian Moti affair as Justice Sarkora ordered yesterday.
PNG: Opposition MP criticises increase in ministeries
Updated 04/09/2007 16:12:14
Papua New Guinea Opposition MP and former treasurer Bart Philemon says the decision by the government to increase the number of ministerial portfolios by eight is politically motivated. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has formally announced the move saying that the government is catering for the increase in population since Independence and the complexities of Melanesian ways of life.
FIJI: Taxi drivers concerned about being robbery targets
Updated 04/09/2007 16:11:23
Tthe body of Fijian taxi driver, Murad Buksh, was found hanging from a bridge just over a week ago, the third to be murdered in six weeks. Mr Buksh's death has prompted an emergency meeting of the Fiji Taxi Union, in an industry where less than one third of drivers are now willing to drive after dark.
AUS: Corruption & trade barriers cost Asia-Pac $US148-billion
Updated 04/09/2007 16:13:13
The Asia Pacific summit in Sydney has been told that tackling corruption and hidden trade barriers in the Asia Pacific could save the region 148 billion U.S. dollars. This has come in a World Bank report that's been presented to the APEC summit, where foreign and trade ministers from 21 nations including Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, will begin meeting tomorrow.
GUAM: NZ companies seek military contracts
Updated 03/09/2007 13:39:13
New Zealand businesses are positioning for opportunities in Guam following the announcement of a US military build up on the island. Sonja Heydeman reports that with an infrastructure boom underway in Guam, both New Zealand and Australia stand to sure up significant contracts in the region.
AUS: Pacific countries discuss coastal environments
Updated 03/09/2007 13:41:13
A forum on the Sustainable Development of Pacific Coastal Resources is underway in Townsville. The conference is a joint Australia/France initiative and is an opportunity for Pacific countries to communicate their needs in regards to protecting their coastal environments.
AUS: Lack of political support for seasonal workers
Updated 03/09/2007 13:43:03
In the lead up to this year's Australian federal election, it seems neither party wants to commit to a policy of allowing in seasonal guest workers from the Pacific. The opposition Labor party has backed away from reports it's considering the scheme, saying only that it will review the New Zealand guest worker program while the Liberal-National Party coalition government remains firmly opposed, saying it'll result in a flood of illegal boat arrivals and threaten Australian wages and conditions.
FRENCH POLYNESIA: Tong Sang ousted in no-confidence vote
Updated 03/09/2007 13:46:49
French Polynesia's President, Gaston Tong Sang, has been ousted in a vote of no-cofidence. He and his government were dumped as MP's of his own party joined forces with opposition MP's.
AUS: Human Rights Commission denied entry to Nauru centre
Updated 03/09/2007 16:29:15
The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has been refused entry to inspect Australia's immigration detention centre on Nauru. The request for inspection was made in May, but Australia's Immigration Minister, Kevin Andrews refused on the grounds that the commission has no jurisdiction over the offshore detention centre.
PNG: Somare court challenge into board inquiry starts
Updated 03/09/2007 16:31:30
In PNG, a court case by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare challenging the process and composition of a Defence Board of Inquiry into the Julian Moti affair started in Port Morsby today. A high court injuction prohibiting the release of any of the details of the Board's findings will remain in place until Justice Bernard Sakora hands down his ruling on this case.
SOLOMON IS: RAMSI defends armed officers
Updated 03/09/2007 16:30:44
The special coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands says some communities in the country feel reassured and secure by the presence of armed RAMSI officers. Tim George was responding to criticism by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Fiji: Qarase complains military are following him
Updated 03/09/2007 16:32:35
Deposed Fiji prime minister Laisenia Qarase says plainclothes military personnel are following him and have his house under surveillance. He returned to the capital, Suva, at the weekend, saying he would be willing to discuss Fiji's political future with interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
