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November 2007

AUSTRALIA: Calls for reform after Cook Islander abuse case

Updated 30/11/2007 16:21:35

A Cook Islander living in Australia has been sentenced to two years jail after a viscious attack on a young employee. Manuel Puruto was sentenced by a Sydney Court on Thursday for a 2005 attack on then 18-year-old, Sam Kautai, with a claw hammer which left him blind in one eye. The attack, however, was just one part of a history of abuse by Puruto against Sam Kautai, and four other young Cook Islanders.

PNG: Overstayers put strain on Torres Strait

Updated 30/11/2007 16:21:35

Papua New Guinea's Western Province Governor wants to attend future meetings of the Australia/PNG Border Committee so he can help tackle the problem of illegal overstayers. Bob Denaya says he's aware that many people from his province have been crossing the sea border with Australia's Torres Strait islands, and not returning, as they are supposed to under the terms of the border treaty.

AUSTRALIA: Pacific secretary set to rebuild relationships

Updated 30/11/2007 16:21:35

Prime Minister Elect Kevin Rudd has named Duncan Kerr as Parliament Secretary responsible for the Pacific and handed him the job of rebuilding the fractured relationships Australia has with some Pacific nations.

NEW ZEALAND: Investigating Fiji extradition request

Updated 30/11/2007 16:21:35

New Zealand's foreign minister says they are investigating an extradition application from Fiji's interim government. Winston Peters says Fiji wants Alice Tabete, the president of the netball team sent home from New Zealand for questioning. Despite Ms Tabate's family ties with the Fiji military she was granted a visa to travel to NZ for the netball tourament .

FIJI: Plotter's lawyer says he will try again for bail

Updated 30/11/2007 16:21:36

For the second time Fiji's High Court has denied bail for the 11 accused of the assassination plot against the interim prime minister and cabinet members. The reasons given today by Justice Gounder for denying bail are similar to those of Justice John Semisi's reasons for turning down the original bail application. Fiji lawyer Tevita Fa plans to reapply for bail for his client in a couple of weeks time.

CNMI: 'Unity march' planned for December 7

Updated 29/11/2007 16:37:41

Opponents of the new local labour law in the CNMI will take their protest to the streets of Saipan on Friday December 7 in what is being described as a 'unity rally'. Organisers are planning to walk from Kilili Beach, along the beachfront, to the American Memorial Park to show unified support for federal recognition of foreign workers and a repeal of the new law that has quashed hopes for immigration rights for these workers.

PACIFIC: Inflation affects basic foods

Updated 29/11/2007 16:37:41

Pacific Island nations are being told to expect to pay more for food in the future. There are concerns in island nations, particularly about the cost of modern diet staples like flour, rice and dairy products.

NEW ZEALAND: Fiji travel bans not inconsistent

Updated 29/11/2007 16:37:41

New Zealand's Foreign Minister says its policy on Fiji travel bans is not inconsistent and will remain in place until democracy is restored. Winston Peters says their approach to the ban remains the same, personnel in the military regime and their families are not allowed in.

AUSTRALIA: New govt appoints Pacific secretary

Updated 29/11/2007 16:37:42

The new Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has announced his ministry, promising special attention for the South Pacific and the regional problems of development and poverty. The new Foreign Minister is to be Stephen Smith. But Mr Rudd also announced two Parliamentary secretaries for the portfolio - one for the South Pacific, Duncan Kerr, and the other for Development Assistance, Bob McMullan.

TONGA: Political parties now inevitable say leaders

Updated 28/11/2007 16:14:57

Elections in Tonga next year may feature formal political parties for the first time. With parliament approving a controversial political reform package which in 2010 will see the majority of seats elected by the people, interest groups are already forming and jockeying for position.

AMERICAN SAMOA: Governor not happy with Mr Rudd

Updated 28/11/2007 16:14:57

American Samoa's Governor Togiola Tulafono has described Australia's Prime Minister elect as a coward. Speaking at the funeral of the latest Samoan soldier killed in Iraq, the governor said that he woke up the morning after the election to hear television news reports that the new PM has "decided to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq".

PNG: Editors caught in Moti web

Updated 28/11/2007 16:14:57

Papua New Guinea's National Court has summoned senior editors of PNG media organisations, for contempt over reporting the Julian Moti case. The Moti case stems from an inquiry by the PNG Defence Force Board of Inquiry into the secret escape of Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti in October last year using a PNG Defence Force aircraft to avoid arrest by Australian police.

SOLOMON IS: New Finance Minister admits compromise

Updated 28/11/2007 16:14:57

The new Solomon Islands Finance Minister Peter Boyers has admitted compromising his strong criticism of Prime Minister Sogavare's leadership style by joining the government. Mr Boyers says he agreed to join the government after the Prime Minister agreed to two conditions.The first is that the government does not raise the issue of re-arming the police force, and the second that the Regional Assistance Mission remain in Solomon Islands under its present arrangement.

FIJI: Funds allocated to tackle youth drug use

Updated 28/11/2007 16:14:57

Fiji's peak substance abuse body has welcomed an increase in budget allocation by the government, and says it may signal a positive change for the government on the issue.

TONGA: Chief Justice says no need to scrap jury trials

Updated 27/11/2007 16:53:42

Tonga's Chief Justice doesn't believe there's any need to get rid of jury trials in favour of trials before a judge. The idea was raised by the President of the Law Society, Laki Niu, who is concerned that juries in a small place like Tonga might be finding defendants not guilty simply on the basis of their close relationship to the accused.

TOKELAU: Atolls get new schools and hospital

Updated 27/11/2007 16:53:43

The three tiny atolls that make up the New Zealand territory of Tokelau are getting upgraded schools and a new hospital. New Zealand's assistance package to the territory of three and a half million Australian dollars will pay for the new infrastructure. Officials say the new projects were approved well in advance of the recent referendum on self-determination for Tokelau, which was defeated by only a handful of votes.

PACFIC:PNG and Fiji break ranks in negotiations with Europe

Updated 27/11/2007 16:53:43

Papua New Guinea and Fiji have broken ranks with other Pacific Island nations and signed an interim deal on trade-in-goods with the European Union. After five years of complex negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement the Pacific has been under intense pressure to meet the December 31st deadline set by Europe for the goods part of the Agreement.

BOUGAINVILLE: Naisi Former Resistance leader Killed

Updated 27/11/2007 16:53:43

In Bougainville Jacob Naisi, the former frontman for the resistance fighters, is dead. The President of Bougainville, Joseph Kabui warns he could have been killed by the Mekamui rebels to derail the peace process.

FIJI: Fatiaki tribunal proceeds despite criticism

Updated 27/11/2007 16:53:43

Fiji's Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki is set to face a tribual over charges of misconduct in February next year. Mr Fatiaki was sent on leave on 3rd January 2007 following the coup by the interim government, and was later suspended on19 January pending an investigation into the charges against him.

FIJI: Budget allocates one-million for litigation

Updated 26/11/2007 16:55:27

In Fiji, one Million Fiji dollars was allocated to the interim attrorney general to pay for consitutional litigation fees in last week's budget. Interim attorney-general says the court costs to the Magistracy Inquiry, the Fatiaki Tribunal, the Qarase case and the case against New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan.

PACIFIC: Pacific leaders welcome New Australian government

Updated 26/11/2007 16:55:28

Australia elected a new government over the weekend with former foreign affairs beaurecrat Kevin Rudd set to be the country's next Prime Minister. Pacific leaders have congratulated Mr Rudd on his election. So what, if anything, will change for the Pacific.

PACIFIC: New European Investment Bank Pacific office

Updated 26/11/2007 16:55:27

The European Union's official development bank, European Investment Bank, officially opens its new Pacific Islands office, in Sydney, tonight. The bank offers loans and venture capital to organisations and companies in all Forum Island nations, as well as territories such as Tokelau, American Samoa, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

CALEDONIA:Pro-independance partisans celebrate anniversary

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

Last Sunday on the 18th of November, the main pro-independence party in New Caledonia, the FLNKS, organised several commemorative meetings. The events are an expression used for the part of time when the Kanak people were fighting against France for autonomy.

SAMOA: First female MP dies

Updated 23/11/2007 11:36:20

Samoa's first female member of parliament, La'ulu Fetauimalemau Mata'afa, has died. Mrs Mata'afa died on Monday, aged 79. She was the wife of the late Mata'afa Fiame Faumuina Mulinuu II, Samoa's first prime minister after independence 45 years ago.

FIJI: Interim government set for cabinet reshuffle

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:23

Fiji's military led interim government will announce the details of the cabinet reshuffle as part of today's budget session. The local media is running hot on which process the interim government prefers to downsize its 17 member Cabinet. The reshuffle could include sackings for what the interim government has described as under performing ministers or, amalgamations of the portfolios themesleves.

PACIFIC: Gout prevalent in ancient Polynesians

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

Gout is a medical problem facing many men in the Pacific, particularly among Polynesian communities. Some experts blame modern lifestyles, eating processed foods, lack of exercise and a diet rich in seafood for the extent of the painful and debilitating complaint. But new research on ancient human remains in Vanuatu may show that gout has been around for a lot longer than many might think.

COOK ISLANDS: Undersea power generator to be trialled

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

The sea just off Rarotonga will be used to trial a potential new method of generating electricity using ocean currents. A multi-national consortium has been given the approval of the Cook Islands government to test the feasibility of the concept, which uses deep sea currents to drive propellers, in the same way that wind drives land-based wind turbines. A new submersible power generator will be anchored at more than 60 meters below the surface for between 6 to 12 months, and is expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity.

PACIFIC: Pacific islanders wear red against warming.

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

Pacific islanders will be wearing red Saturday to show their concern the threat of rising sea levele to their islands due to climate change. The event is organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches and Greenpeace Pacific prior to the departure of regional leaders leave for the Bali UN climate change summit. Greenpeace's Pacific Climate Change Advisor, Arieta Moceica says wearing red shows that Pacific islanders are outraged at industrialised nations for dragging feet on the issue.

NEW CAL: Conservation International to protect lagoon

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

In New Caledonia, a team of scientists from the organisation Conservation International are investigating the marine biodiversity of the lagoons in a bid to protect the unique site. The project will involve cataloging the fauna of the lagoon and collecting data on the coral reefs. The scientific mission will take a month and finish in the middle of December of this year.

AUSTRALIA: Parties forsee trouble in Pacific

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

Australia's election campaign has been notable for the dark consensus on one area of foreign policy, the future of the South Pacific. The Coalition and Labor have been in agreement about the crisis looming in Pacific Islands. The Howard Government says Australia has to act tough in the Pacific to confront poor governance and declining law and order. The Labor Party has been even more dramatic, warning that refugees could start fleeing from Melanesia because of rising poverty.

KIRIBATI: Questions over seafarer's death

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:22

The body of a 26-year-old Kiribati woman has been returned home, nearly a month after she reportedly committed suicide aboard the German cargo ship she was working on. The crew of the Hans Fleusburg told New Zealand authorities that Tanering Kirata hung herself on October 27th. Investigations into her death began after the ship berthed in New Zealand, but, although an autopsy has been completed, a report has yet to be released.

PNG: Relief workers on the ground in flood hit province

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:23

Disaster relief workers have begun the first major assessment of what's needed in Papua New Guinea's Oro Province. The remote region was hit earlier this week by Cyclone Guba, causing an estimated 200 deaths.Two Australian Airforce Hercules have arrived in PNG with relief supplies, and this morning staff from Oxfam, Worldvision and Red Cross have been been doing aerial and ground surveys of the affected area.

PNG: Aust priest gieves flood victims.

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:23

An Australian church worker who has lived in Papua New Guinea's Oro Province for 21 years has expressed grief at the devastation caused by flood waters in the province. Anglican priest, Father Cameron Venables has arrived back in Rockhampton this week after experiencing first-hand the devastation to peoples' livelihood, property and infrastructure by the floods.

FIJI: Budget projects growth for next year

Updated 23/11/2007 17:19:23

Fiji's interim regime has handed down a 2008 budget it claims proves that the decline brought about by the coup of December last year had been halted. Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is confident that the Fiji economy is now on the mends and has projected a two point two percent growth rate for 2008.

FIJI: Qarase wants opportunity to resign

Updated 22/11/2007 16:27:18

In Fiji, ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase says he has been getting negative comments from the interim government in response to his request to allow his government to resign ahead of the next elections. Mr Qarase says he remains optimistic that Commodore Bainimarama will meet with him sooner rather than later to discuss issues of vital importance to the nation.

FIJI: Ballu Khan launches legal action

Updated 22/11/2007 16:27:19

In Fiji lawyers for New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan have lodged a writ for the equivalent of $26 million US dollars against the military and police for the injuries he suffered when he was arrested at the beginning of the month. Interim attorney general Aihaz Sayed Khaiyum is named as the defendant in the writ filed at the Fiji High Court today.

SOLS: Governor General calls on PM to recall Parliament

Updated 22/11/2007 16:27:19

Solomon Island Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena has called on Prime Minister Manessah Sogavare to set a date for parliament to meet before the end of the year, to resolve the current political crisis. Since the resignation of nine of his ministers last week Mr Sogavare has been refusing to allow parliament to sit, to allow a vote on if he has the numbers. Sir Nathanial had been refusing to become involved but he has now changed his position.

PNG: Relief operation slow going

Updated 22/11/2007 16:27:18

Papua New Guinea disaster officials have been accused of politicising relief operations to help more than 150 thousand people affected by heavy flooding in PNG's Oro province, which have so far claimed more than 200 lives. Some people are risking their lives by diving into their flooded gardens to search for food, while others are surviving on coconuts.

PNG: Death toll rises from PNG floods

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

Officials say the death toll from floods in Papua New Guinea's Oro province has risen to 153. One Australian NGO is taking stock of the community of Kokoda. The Kokoda Track Foundation has committed 20-thousand Australian dollars worth of medical supplies to Kokoda hospital to combat the threat of water-borne diseases as flood waters recede.

PNG: Budget gets tick but implementation a worry

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

Papua New Guinea Finance Minister Patrick Pruaitch yesterday handed down a record 8 billion kina or 2.7 million US dollar budget. The document was well received but analysts warn of speedhumps ahead.

CALEDONIA:Pro-independance partisans celebrate anniversary

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

Last Sunday on the 18th of November, the main pro-independence party in New Caledonia, the FLNKS, organised several commemorative meetings.The events are an expression used for the part of time when the Kanak people were fighting against France for autonomy.

TONGA: Mixed reaction to proposal to abandon jury trials

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

There's been a mixed reception in Tonga to the idea of the country abandoning jury trials. The idea was raised by the President of Tonga's Law Society Laki Nui, in the wake of several 'not guilty' verdicts in a high profile case involving people accused of taking part in last year's riot which severely damaged the capital, Nukualofa.

FIJI: Tribunal hearing for Chief Justice

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

In Fijii, a tribunal will begin hearing allegations of mishbehaviour against suspended Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki on Monday. Three international judges have been appointed to hear the case. Justice Fatiaki was suspended on full pay following last year's coup.

MARSHALL IS: Lawsuit in US puts illegal adoption in spotlight

Updated 21/11/2007 16:30:15

A lawsuit in the United States has put the spotlight on illegal adoption from the Marshall Islands again. A Utah based agency is being sued for allegedly duping vulnerable young women into flying to the United States to relinquish their babies.

VANUATU: Cocoa beans exported to Singapore

Updated 20/11/2007 16:25:02

A Vanuatu farmers cooperative has successfully exported its first cocoa beans to Singapore. The cooperative of farmers on Malekula and Malo exported a container of grade one cocoa to a large conglomerate, producing coffee, tea, and chocolates in Singapore.

PNG: Sate of emergency in flood hit province

Updated 20/11/2007 12:20:58

Papua New Guinea's flood hit Oro province has been declared a State of Emergency after heavy flooding has claimed the lives of more than 70 people with up to 100 to 200 000 people left homeless and without food. Acting Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu says the government will release over 16 million US dollars for the relief operations and will start work on the rehabilitation of major infrastructure which has been damaged by the floods over the past 5 days.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: Worst election ever

Updated 20/11/2007 16:25:02

Monday's national elections in Marshall islands have been described as one of the worst ever held. Election officials ordered polling stations to stay open late into the night, after delays in opening and confusion surrounding the new system in which voters could vote for candidates in their home electorate at any polling station. Many polling booths ran out of ballot papers, and many voters had to stand in line for a long time, in some cases for hours.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition ahead in numbers game

Updated 20/11/2007 16:25:02

In Solomon Islands, the fluid number crunching between the opposition and government camps has slowed today. For a week now both sides of the House have claimed they have the numbers to claim government.

PNG: Budget for 2008 handed down

Updated 20/11/2007 16:25:02

Staying in P-N-G and Treasury and Finance Minister Patrick Pruaitch unveiled a budget today that was expected to be a record eight billion Kina or 2.7 US Dollars.The budget has been boosted by a year of high oil and commodity prices.

PNG: Flood victims stranded and facing starvation

Updated 20/11/2007 16:25:02

Disaster officials in Papua New Guinea are continuing to assess the damage from heavy flooding caused by cyclone Guba. But officials in worst-hit Oro province say stranded people are facing starvation and disease if they don't receive immediate help. More than 70 people have reportedly died in Papua New Guinea with another 13 thousand left homeless in Oro province after heavy flooding hit the province. Around 450 houses in villages throughout the province have been washed away, with roads, bridges and crops destroyed.

PACIFIC: Opposition to Japan's whale kill mounts

Updated 19/11/2007 16:36:19

The World Wide Fund for Nature is concened about the impact Japan's annual whale kill will have on Tonga's fledgling whale watching industry. Over half of all air-visitors to Tonga go on a commercial whale watch trip during their stay. Japan's Fisheries Agency says it is waiting for the usual ammount of opposition from anti-whaling countries against this years cull in the southern oceans sanctury. The fleet which set sail yesterday has a target of 850 minke whales and 10 fin whales.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: Election suffers delays, poor organisation

Updated 19/11/2007 16:36:19

Today's national election in Marshall Islands has been marred by late opening of polling stations, confusion and a lack of organisation. That's according to the editor of the Marshall islands Journal, Giff Johnson, who says people waiting in long lines at polling stations have told him they're very frustrated at the delay.

FIJI: QC working to evacuate Khan to NZ

Updated 19/11/2007 16:36:19

In Fiji, The Queens Counsel representing New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan says he is negotiating with police to have his client evactuated for medical treatment. Mr Khan sustained serious injuiries during his arrest for his alleged part in the assassination plot against interim prime minister and senior cabinet members.

PNG: Urgent relief effort needed after floods

Updated 19/11/2007 16:36:19

More than 70 people have reportedly died in Papua New Guinea with another 13 thousand left homeless in P-N-G's Oro province after heavy flooding hit the province. PNG Disaster officials say the death toll may rise as many more could die from water born diseases.

FIJI: Tourist industry scrapes by a year after coup

Updated 19/11/2007 16:36:19

It's nearly 12 months since the latest military coup in Fiji. In that time there've been conflicting reports about how local businesses are surviving. Over the years Fiji has built a tourist industry which is the envy of all its neighbours, and also its biggest earner. But last year there were real worries about vistors being scared off by the unsettled tourist situation.

PACIFIC:Tonga and Solomon Islands join undersea mining nations

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:17

The world's leading seafloor mining company, Nautilus Minerals is expanding to Tonga and Solomon Islands. Nautilus already has exploration licences in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Zealand and is well postioned to be the first company in the world to mine seafloor gold and copper, commercially .The company has been granted 16 offshore exploration licences in Tonga and 14 exploration licences in Solomon Islands.

AUST: Downer attacks leaders of Fiji and Solomons

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer says Australia can't be weak or compliant in confronting leaders in the South Pacific. Mr Downer attacked the leaders of Fiji and Solomon Islands during a foreign policy debate in Canberra in the campaign for Australia's national election on November the 24th. The Labor Opposition Foreign spokesman, Robert McLelland, argued that Australia needs to build partnerships in the South Pacific, saying that the Arc of Instability must be seen as Australia's Arc of Responsibility.

FIJI: Police interrogate NZ businessman over plot

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan is expected to appear in court some time today where he could face up to nine charges over the alleged assassination plot against the interim Prime Minister. Mr Khan was discharged from hospital yesterday and taken immediately to the Central police station where he continues to be interrogated. Mr Khan sustained a fracture to the base of the skull and left cheek bone at the time of his arrest.

FIJI: Reports PM's meeting off

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

The much anticipated meeting initiated by interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama with deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase may not happen.Commodore Bainimarama told a gathering yesterday that the meeting will not take place. Chief Executive Officer in the prime ministers office Pramesh Chand, "declined to comment saying it is a non issue" and would not be drawn on the status of the meeting.

SOLOMON IS: Lobbying and numbers game continues

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

In Solomon Islands, lobbying continues with both the government and parliamentary opposition claiming they have the numbers to govern. The future of Prime Minister Sogavare's coalition government looked doomed earlier this week following a mass defection of government ministers and a couple of back-benchers. However, Mr Sogavare says the government has now regained the majority and that the political crisis is over. But the Leader of the Opposition, Fred Fono says the Prime Minister has mis-lead the the nation about the government's numerical strength.

TONGA: Press freedom ranking questioned

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

An assessment that Tonga has slid dramatically backwards in terms of media freedom in just one year has been badly received by both the government and the country's main newspaper publisher. Reporters Without Borders, an international media NGO ranks countries in order of how easily journalists can do their jobs, free of restrictions, says it its latest survey that Tonga, which last year had been ranked 54th in the world, has gone down to 119th.

PNG: PNG urged to abandon death penalty

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

A UN General Assembly panel today passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty with the ultimate goal of abolishing the practice. Papua New Guinea is one country that still has the death penalty, although no one has been executed for fifty years. But it can expect to come under pressure from those lobbying for the practice to done away with.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Doctors strike to escalate

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:16

Doctors at French Polynesia's largest hospital are threatening to escalate three day old strike action if the government fails to meet their demands by tomorrow. Nearly ninety percent of the doctors on strike at Mamao public hospital say they will downgrade health care services to emergencies only if the government fails to give in to their demands.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition want change of leadership.

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:17

The Solomon Islands parliamentary opposition is adamant that it continues to hold on to its numerical superiority over the government. Gordon Darcy Lilo, the sacked finance minister, who led a group of ministers who defected to the opposition early this week, says intensive lobbying by the government won't sway them. Mr Darcy says the Opposition group is committed to a change of leadership.

SOLOMON IS: PM addresses nation against accusations.

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:17

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare today lashed out at the opposition's serious accusations of corruption against him. The prime minister made an address to the nation to rebutt the opposition claims published in today's Solomon Star issue.

FIJI: Khan back in hospital - interrogation stops

Updated 19/11/2007 14:40:17

New Zealand businessman, Ballu Khan is back in hospital in Fiji today without any charges laid against him. Peter Williiam a Queens Council from New Zealand has successfully argued with police that Mr Khan's interrogation cease and that his client be readmitted to hospital. Mr Khan sustained a number of injuries at the time of his arrest for his alleged role in the assassination plot against the interim prime minister and some senior cabinet members.

PNG: PNG urged to abandon death penalty

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:28

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Doctors strike to escalate

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:28

SOLOMON IS: Opposition want change of leadership.

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:28

SOLOMON IS: PM addresses nation against accusations.

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:28

FIJI: Khan back in hospital - interrogation stops

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:29

TONGA: Press freedom ranking questioned

Updated 16/11/2007 16:55:28

PACIFIC:Tonga and Solomon Islands join undersea mining nations

Updated 15/11/2007 14:35:15

The world's leading seafloor mining company, Nautilus Minerals is expanding to Tonga and Solomon Islands. Nautilus already has exploration licences in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Zealand and is well postioned to be the first company in the world to mine seafloor gold and copper, commercially. The company has been granted 16 offshore exploration licences in Tonga, covering an area of around 80-thousand square kilometres of ocean. It has also won 14 exploration licences in Solomon Islands covering just over eight-thousand square kilometres.

VANUATU: Cocoa beans exported to Singapore

Updated 15/11/2007 14:44:28

A Vanuatu farmers cooperative has successfully exported its first cocoa beans to Singapore.The cooperative of farmers on Malekula and Malo exported a container of grade one cocoa to a large conglomerate, producing coffee, tea, and chocolates in Singapore.

GUAM: Veterans awarded school certificates

Updated 15/11/2007 14:45:24

War veterans on Guam, who were unable to finish their school education, are being honoured with high school diplomas.The certificates are for veterans who didn't get the chance to return to study because of disability or economic problems.

FIJI: Reports PM's meeting off

Updated 15/11/2007 16:59:21

SOLOMON IS: Lobbying and numbers game continues

Updated 15/11/2007 16:57:59

FIJI: Police interrogate NZ businessman over plot

Updated 15/11/2007 16:59:35

AUST: Downer attacks leaders of Fiji and Solomons

Updated 15/11/2007 17:00:44

FPOLY: French Senate supports law to stabilise FPoly

Updated 14/11/2007 16:46:17

The French Senate has approved a new law aimed at ending political instability in French Polynesia. Three years of constantly changing governments, with five Presidents and four motions of no confidence, has led to France, which provides many subsidies to its overseas territories, to lose patience. The new law has been proposed by the new French Minister of State for Overseas Territories Christian Estrosi.

FIJI: Call for UN to investigate Fiji judiciary renewed

Updated 14/11/2007 16:46:17

There's been a call for independent scrutiny of Fiji's judiciary.The Pacific Centre for Public Integrity has renewed its call for a United Nations special rapporteur to be allowed into the country to conduct an investigation. This follows the Pacific Judicial Conference in Tonga, where the region's judges broke with tradition and made a public statement expressing concern about threats to the independence of the judiciary in Fiji.

FIJI: Fiji Water goes carbon negative

Updated 14/11/2007 16:46:17

Fiji Water, with annual sales of around 150 million US dollars, has announced a plan to be carbon negative. The company's President John Cochran says it's begun the process by mapping its carbon footprint globally. But the Fiji based business has been under attack in the US by environmentalists who consider bottled water an unnecessary product made at great environmental expense.

SOLOMON IS: Speaker - GG powerless to convene.

Updated 14/11/2007 16:46:17

The speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea says the Governor General does not have the power to call a session of parliament. Sir Peter says that under the Constitution, the Governor General can only convene parliament for a session after a general election.

SOLOMON IS: GG rejects opposition call to convene parliament

Updated 13/11/2007 12:05:58

The Solomon Islands Governor General has rejected a call by the opposition to use his extra powers to convene parliament. The Opposition made the call in a petition to the Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena on Sunday following a mass defection by 10 government ministers to the opposition. But the Governor General says he will not call parliament because there is no constitutional crisis in the country.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition fears budget crisis

Updated 13/11/2007 12:05:58

The Opposition says if Solomon Islands is not already having a constitutional crisis, then it is heading towards one if parliament does not meet soon to pass the 2008 budget. Following the announcement by the Governor General that he will not entertain the Opposition camp's petitiion for him to convene an extraordinary meeting of parliament, I asked senior Opposition M-P Edward Huniehu the Opposition's reaction to this.

PNG: Electricity workers warned against power cuts

Updated 13/11/2007 12:09:15

Papua New Guinea's Industrial Registrar, Helen Saleu says threats by electricity workers to cut power supplies over the re-instatement of the Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power are illegal. PNG's Energy Workers Union alleges New Zealand Patrick Mara is an obstacle to the implementation of a new wages and benefits agreement between the union and PNG Power.

FIJI: International Ratings outlook upgraded

Updated 13/11/2007 16:38:28

There is good economic news for Fiji today with the the international ratings agency Standard & Poors announcing the lifting of the outlook on its ratings for Fiji from negative to stable. That leaves Fiji with a long term foreign currency rating of B and a long-term local currency rating of B+, well ahead of many of its Pacific Island neighbours and on a par with Caribbean nations with tourism-based economies.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: Scrutiny of election process

Updated 13/11/2007 16:38:28

International observers have arrived in the Marshall Islands ahead of a national election scheduled for November 19. The delegation is in response to a record number of complaints and court challenges to the previous vote in 2003.

FIJI: Military wants electoral reform now

Updated 13/11/2007 16:38:28

Fiji's military led interim government wants to change the system of voting sooner rather than later. The military is claiming changes to Fiji's race-based voting system have to be made now and to defer would be "defeatist". This is contrary to an undertaking interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama gave to his Pacific peers at the recent Forum Leaders sumit in Tonga to hold elections in 2009 using the current system of voting.

SOLOMON IS: Opposition still want PM to resign

Updated 13/11/2007 16:38:27

The Solomon Islands parliamentary opposition says it does not rule out making a legal challenge of the Governor General's decision not to call parliament. Opposition Leader Fred Fono says it is very clear that Prime Minister Sogavare does not have the numbers to govern and should resign.

NAURU: Govt in turmoil after ministers resign

Updated 13/11/2007 14:59:02

Nauru's Ludwig Scotty led Government is in turmoil after three senior ministers resigned.

SOLS: Transparency head unsurprised at government instabilibity

Updated 12/11/2007 15:50:58

Meanwhile, the Executive Officer of Transparency Solomon Islands, Joses Tuhanuku, has welcomed the news that the Manasseh Sogovare government could be about to fall. Mr Sogavare recently threatened to take legal action against Mr Tuhanuku for making allegations of corruption against him. Joses Tuhanuku says the news of a split in the ruling coalition comes as no surprise.

SOLS ISLANDS: Paliamentarians call for PM's resignation

Updated 12/11/2007 17:07:01

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister is fighting for his political survival following the defection of 13 members of his government, including 10 ministers. A total of 30 parliamentarians including opposition MP's have signed a Memorandum of Understanding demanding Mr Sogavare's resignation. Amongst those spearheading the rebellion is recently sacked former finance minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, and Deputy Prime Minister Toswell Kaua.

SOLS: Mining could double size of the economy says expert

Updated 12/11/2007 19:40:37

Solomon Islands has the potential to establish a major gold mining industry not just one gold mine, according to the head of Australia Solomons Gold, the company getting the Gold Ridge mine on the main island of Guadalcanal, up and running again. The comments come after the Solomon Islands cabinet gave its backing or the Gold Ridge mine to start production as soon as possible. The Chief Executive Officer Australia Solomons Gold, John Bovard has worked in mining in the Pacific for 35 years and has played a key role at mines such as Porgera and Ok Tedi in Papua New Guinea.

FIJI: University of the South Pacific suffering post coup

Updated 12/11/2007 11:51:45

The United States partner in a failed software development enterprise with the University of the South Pacific says last December's coup has affected all of the University's commercial ventures. The regional university has written off a loan of 700-thousand Fijian dollars to the joint venture and the university's total loss on the failed business could amount to one million dollars.

PACIFIC: Family trees are hot property

Updated 12/11/2007 11:51:45

The formal documentation of family histories in the Pacific is changing the way governments and business consider rights to land and other resources. Anthropologists from the Australian National University held a seminar recently on how genealogy is being used by indigenous communities and how documented research can impact on negotiating claims.

TONGA: Chief Justice praised for reforming justice system

Updated 12/11/2007 11:51:45

Tonga's Chief Justice has been praised by the World Bank for his efforts in reforming the Kingdom's court system. The bank says Tonga has done more to improve its record in enforcing contracts than any other country. Justice Tony Ford was singled out for computerising 90 per cent of all cases. He says they have never been busier as a result of the number of legal cases currently before the courts.

FIJI: Fijians embrace 'Diwali' festival

Updated 12/11/2007 11:51:45

Last Friday Fiji celebrated "Diwali", the "Festival of Light", traditionally a day of celebration for Hindu people. But with a large Indo-Fijian population there, Diwali is now celebrated by all Fijians, with fireworks, food and elaborately designed lights.

FIJI: Regional judges warn of threats to judicial independence

Updated 12/11/2007 12:45:38

Senior judges around the Pacific are concerned about threats to the independence of the judiciary in Fiji. At the end of the biennial Pacific Judicial Conference in Tonga last week, the assembled judges and Chief Justices took the rare step of issuing a statement supporting judges in Fiji who are still striving to uphold the rule of law. They've also appointed a senior judicial figure from the United States to liaise with the Pacific Islands Forum working group on Fiji.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Sogovare government collapsing

Updated 12/11/2007 15:48:28

The opposition is now claiming to have enough support to topple Mr Sogavare. Several Minister and backbench MPs have deserted the government, following the sacking of Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo. His faction, together with the rest of the opposition, is now claiming to have the majority in parliament, and wants the Governor General to call the house together so they can hold a vote of no confidence. Mr Lilo says Manasseh Sogovare can no longer claim to be prime minister, and the MPs following him have signed a memorandum of understanding calling on him to quit.

FIJI: Court demands NZ businessman appear in court

Updated 09/11/2007 16:38:27

The Fiji High court has given the Commissioner of Police and Commander of the Fiji Military Forces 12 days to produce New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan in court. The lawyer acting on behalf of Mr Khan has applied for a writ of habeas corpus seeking his client's release from unlawful detention. Mr Khan alleges he was beaten during his arrest and has been in hospital under police and military guard since the weekend. Mr Khan is accused by the interim government of being involved in the alleged assassination plot against interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama and senior cabinet ministers.His lawyer, Tevita Fa says the security forces must obey the court ruling to present his client in court.

SOLS: Finance Minister sacking linked to SolAir

Updated 09/11/2007 16:38:27

The sacking of the Solomon Islands Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has been linked to his strong support for the board of the financially stricken national airline, Solomon Airlines.Our reporter in Honiara, Evan Wasuka says Mr Lilo opposed moves by the government's business arm, the Investment Corporation to sack the board over strict new financial reforms designed to rescue the airline.

NZ: Future of terrorism suppression laws in doubt

Updated 09/11/2007 16:45:16

The future of New Zealand's controversial terrorism suppression laws are in doubt after authorities ruled that none of those arrested in last month's raids on Maori communities will face terrorism charges. Solicitor General David Collins says the "overly complex and incoherent" legislation means the law can't be used to prosecute in any of the 12 cases he wa reviewing following the raids. There are calls for the police commissioner to resign over heavy handed tactics meted out to Maori terrorism suspects.

KIRIBATI: Southern atolls short of water

Updated 09/11/2007 16:46:34

Ominous signs exist that Kiribati is in for a long dry summer. In particular the people living on the southern atolls are already having to cart water long distances for household use. Crops are also in short supply due to dwindling supplies of potable water.

PNG: Attempt for free former governor convicted of rape

Updated 09/11/2007 16:48:38

In Papua New Guinea, the younger brother of a former governor convicted of rape is contesting a by-election to try to secure his brother's release or pardon from prison. John Tauna Yali says he will use his father, a cult leader and his brother's influence to try to win the seat of Rai Coast.

PNG: Police says criminal gangs control capital

Updated 09/11/2007 16:58:49

Papua New Guinea Police have admitted the capital, Port Moresby has fallen into the hands of criminal gangs, terrorising residents who now live in fear. P-N-G's Commissioner of Police Gari Baki has called on his police officers to stop the escalation of crime in the country.

SOLOMON IS:Compensation claim for Ramsi post

Updated 09/11/2007 17:00:08

In Solomon Islands, landowners of a police post on South Guadalcanal are demanding the government pay them compensation of quarter of a million Solomons dollars or about 36-thousand US dollars. The police post at Isuna is manned by personnel from the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI and Solomon Islands police. It was established following the RAMSI intervention in 2003 to help curb lawlessness on the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal. The government's Special Envoy to RAMSI, Michael Maina says the landowners are claiming compensation for the land they say has been taken over by foreigners. Mr Maina travelled to Isuna this week to find out about the compensation claim.

SAMOA: Concern over street children

Updated 09/11/2007 17:01:29

There are increasing concerns in Samoa about the number of children taking to the streets to sell goods.It's been claimed that the children are being forced by their parents to sell products to help make ends meet at home. As a result the children are missing out on an education.

AUST: Call for PNG team in Aus Rugby League comp

Updated 09/11/2007 17:03:33

The election campaign in Australia has prompted calls for political parties to back a campaign to see a Papua New Guinea team admitted to the Australian Rugby league competition. New South Wales Liberal Party politician, Charlie Lynn, wants to see the next Australian government appoint a Minister for Melanesia and introduce Melanesian studies into school and universities. He is also leading the campaign to get PNG into the Australian Rugby League. Charlie Lynn says nothing would do more to unite Papua New Guineans than having a team in the ARL competition.

VANUATU: Major chicken supplier to close

Updated 08/11/2007 16:27:11

In Vanutau, more than 50 people face an uncertain future after it was announced that the country's major supplier of local chickens will close its factory early next year. Toa Enterprises has been producing and supplying locally grown chickens to the market for nearly 30 years but it's operations are scheduled to close on the first of February.

SOLOMON IS: Police Comm wants RAMSI immunity removed

Updated 08/11/2007 16:28:29

The Solomon Islands Police commissioner Jahir Khan wants the scrapping of immunity from local laws granted to personnel of the regional assistance mission, RAMSI. Mr Khan says the protection from prosecution was not been properly considered by the Solomon Islands government when it passed the International Faciliation Act in 2003. The act enabled member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum to intervene in Solomon Islands.

FIJI: Police anticipate further arrests

Updated 08/11/2007 16:29:35

Fiji police last night raided the houses of a number of suspects charged over the alleged assassination plot against the interim prime minister and senior cabinet members. Assistant Commissioner Crime, Nazir Ali says the ammunition seized in the raids is the sort used in military weapons. Commissioner Ali also says that he will not allow Ballu Khan to be evacuated to New Zealand where he is a citizen. Mr Khan who was allegedly beaten during his arrest remains in hospital. Commissioner Ali says the investigations are ongoing and he expects to make further arrests.

FIJI: DPP claims threats by investigators of plot

Updated 08/11/2007 16:31:55

In breaking news, Fiji's Office of Public Prosecutions claims it has been intimidated. A press release from the Director Josaia Naigulevu, says that Assistant Commissioner for crime Nazir Ali and his team of investigators threatened lawyers in his office. Commissioner Ali says he is yet to see the statement but denies its allegations.

FIJI: Bail refused to 11 accused over plot

Updated 08/11/2007 16:33:08

Bail has been refused to the 11 men alleged to have conspired to assassinate Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama. The men will now be waiting till the middle of November before their case will be heard in the Fiji Magistrates Court.

FIJI: Bail hearings for assassination accused adjourned

Updated 07/11/2007 17:11:09

In Fiji, the bail hearing for the 10 men allegedly involved in the assassination attempt on interim prime minister has been adjourned until tomorrow. The 10 have been charged with inciting mutiny and conspiracy to commit murder and will remain in custody until the court reaches a decision on their bail application. It is alleged that they plotted to kill the interim prime minister, Commodore Bainimarama, the interim finance minister Mahendra Chaudhry and the interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

FRENCH POLY: Former President launches new party

Updated 07/11/2007 17:11:09

In French Polynesia the former President of the Territorial Assembly, Gaston Tong Sang will run for President in the upcoming territorial elections in January. The French Minister of State for Overseas Territories, Christian Estrosi, has just spent a week in French Polynesia, trying to resolve on-going political instability.

FIJI: SDL party member cleared of plot involvement

Updated 07/11/2007 17:12:17

After an interrogation lasting 48 hours, Fiji's national director of the SDL party says he has been cleared of any involvement in the alleged assassination plot against the interim prime minister. Peceli Kinivuwai a member of ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase's SDL party was arrested on Sunday by two senior police officers. He was told by the arresting officers that he had been linked to the alleged plot against Commodore Frank Bainimarama and some senior Cabinet members.

FIJI: Murder charged dismissed against Australian

Updated 07/11/2007 17:18:10

In Suva most attention is centred around the investigation and arrest of the men alleged to be involved in a plot to assassinate interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama and members of his government. But as you may have heard, an Australian Simon McCartney has been freed by a court in Suva after a charge of murdering his wife was dismissed.

PNG: Demand for action to stop power cuts

Updated 07/11/2007 17:18:01

Business leaders in Papua New Guinea says power cuts are costing tens of thousands of Kina and threatening the health of people across the country. Fresh food companies in particular are angry and calling for immediate action from the government and PNG Power. Alele Farm Fresh Produce, which is owned by five women from Milne Bay Province, is looking at losing most of a shipment of four and a half tonnes of broccoli after power cuts to refridgeration plants. Graham Ross is Alele's General Manager and a member of the Board of the Rural Industries Council says the power cuts are destroying businesses.

PNG: War declared on men who abuse women

Updated 07/11/2007 17:19:50

Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner Gari Baki has declared war on men who abuse women. His comments follow an increase in the reported cases of violence against women in the PNG highlands, where several women have been killed, tortured and mutilated. Mr Baki says he has suspended a senior police officer for beating his wife. He's calling on all police men and women to investigate domestic violence.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Crocodile hunter leads triathletes in Australia

Updated 06/11/2007 11:23:31

Solomon Islander Maxon Ala catches crocodiles for a living. He also races in triathlons for fun...the gruelling disciplines of swimming, riding and running over distance he calls "addictive". At the weekend, Ala led a team of nine Solomon Islanders - seven men and two women - to one of the world's best known races, the Noosa Triathlon, in the Australian state of Queensland.

PNG: Claims that Kokoda landowners will get more from trekking than mi

Updated 06/11/2007 11:23:31

Landowners along the Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea will benefit far more from the trekking industry than from mining, according to New South Wales politician, Charlie Lynn. The Australian company, Frontier Resources, wants part of the iconic World War II track re-routed to make way for its planned copper and gold mine. Mr Lynn who is a National Party member of the Upper House in New South Wales and one of the founding fathers of the trekking industry, played a key role in persuading Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, to promise 15.9 million dollars towards the campaign to get Kokoda World Heritage listed. Both Mr Howard and Opposition leader Kevin Rudd have strongly condemned plans to re-route the Kokoda track.

FIJI: Melbourne Cup attracts wide interest in Fiji

Updated 06/11/2007 15:50:42

As many people in Australia and New Zealand would know, today is Melbourne Cup Day. It's known as the horse race that stops two nations, but in fact the number is probably higher than that, with many Pacific countries also holding office sweepstakes and tuning in for the results. The race has just been held here in Melbourne, and the winner was Efficient, paying 22 dollars. The Melbourne Cup is also very big in Fiji.

COOK ISLANDS: Controversy over asbestos dumping at sea

Updated 06/11/2007 15:50:42

There have been calls for Australia and New Zealand to take responsibility for asbestos laden building materials sold to Pacific nations last century. This follows a controversial decision by the Cook Islands to dump 300 tonnes of asbestos sheeting at sea.

NEW ZEALAND: Want diplomatic access in Fiji to citizen

Updated 06/11/2007 15:50:42

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his diplomats continue to be denied access to New Zealand citizen Ballu Khan who remains in custody in hospital in Fiji. He says the Geneva Convention was breached when authorities in Fiji denied New Zealand officials a second visit with Mr Khan. Mr Khan was badly beaten during his arrest by police two days ago over allegations that he was involved in a plot to assassinate interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama. Winston Peters is concerned that 48 hours after his arrest no charges have been laid against Mr Khan.

FIJI: DPP threatened with arrest over refusal to prosecute

Updated 06/11/2007 15:50:42

The legal fallout from the allegations of a plot to kill Fiji government and military figures is continuing in Suva. Despite the Police announcing that seven men are to be charged in relation to the alleged conspiracy, the Director of Public Prosecution is refusing to take the case to trial. Local media are reporting that Josaia Naigulevu has been threatened with arrest if he doesn't have them prosecuted. The alleged assassination plotters were expected to appear in court this afternoon.

FIJI: Interim PM reassures nation over assasination allegations

Updated 06/11/2007 15:50:43

Fiji's interim prime minister has finally spoken out about the alleged assassination plot against him and members of his interim government. But while he's praised everyone involved, the Commodore released little detail about charges, evidence or individuals. So far up to 16 people have been detained. Some are still in custody, others are again free, while one, New Zealand business Ballu Khan, is in hospital. But what progress, if any, is being made on the investigation, is being kept quiet.

PACIFIC: Islam making inroads in Melanesia

Updated 05/11/2007 11:37:13

There is no doubt that Christianity has become and remains the Pacific region's most entrenched religion but in more recent years Islam has been making steady inroads into the area, especially Melanesia. While so far it's been a mostly peaceful and relatively small evolution there are some fears that a continued growth in Islam may pose some threats for the Pacific.

FIJI: NGO activist accuses government of spreading instability

Updated 05/11/2007 11:37:13

A prominent Fiji activist has angrily rejected accusations of NGO involvement on the alleged assasination plot against interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.
Angie Heffernan, the Executive Director of the Suva-based Pacific Centre for Public Integrity, instead insists that it's the military-backed interim government which is creating instability, in what she claims is an attempt to avoid the elections scheduled for March 2009.

FIJI: Wave of arrests in alleged assasination plot

Updated 05/11/2007 11:37:13

On Monday, Fiji's interim government is expected to release further information about its investigation into an alledged assasination plot againts Interim Prime Commodore Frank Bainimarama, President Ratu Josefa Illoilo and other members of the country's government and military. Over the weekend it's estimated around 11 people were detained by the police and the military, including one of the country's richest men, and a prominent member of the ousted SDL political party. But the timing of the arrests and allegations have been questioned, and some have labelled them as a diversionary tactic to take attention away from the removal of soldiers and police from a UN peacekeeping mission, and continued attacks on the interim government plans to change the electoral process.

PACIFIC: Australia criticised for not taking temporary Pacific workers

Updated 05/11/2007 13:21:01

A leading academic says the refusal of Australia to allow entry to temporary unskilled workers from the Pacific Islands shows it is not serious about regional economic integration. Professor Biman Prasad is the first Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara visiting fellow at the Otago University in New Zealand made the comments in a speech at the university. He gave a wide-ranging analysis of Australia and New Zealand's role in promoting economic development in the Forum Island countries. Professor Prasad says Australia's refusal to take unskilled Pacific Islanders while employing around 150-thousand similar workers from affluent regions of the world, leds to accusations that it is self-serving and hypocritical.

NZ: Govenment angry over Fiji breaking diplomatic rules

Updated 05/11/2007 16:55:26

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Government wants assurances from Fiji's military-backed regime that normal diplomatic conventions will be observed in the case of the New Zealand businessman being detained over an alleged plot to kill the interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. Ballu Khan is among 16 supporters of the ousted prime minister and SDL party leader, Laisenia Qarase, rounded up over the weekend by soldiers and police.

FIJI: Qarase wants proof of assassination allegations

Updated 05/11/2007 16:55:31

Fiji's deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase is keeping his fingers crossed that he will not be the next person taken into custody. Around sixteen people have been arrested so far following unsubstantiated claims by the interim government over the existence of a conspiracy to kill interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama. Mr Qarase says he doesn't know what the interim governments agenda is at the moment.

FIJI: Latest on assasination plot allegations

Updated 05/11/2007 16:55:39

Fiji police have laid charges against three people over an alleged assassination plot aimed at the interim prime minister, the President, and senior cabinet and army figures. Several people have already been arrested, including businessman Ballu Khan, who is a New Zealand citizen. After being arrested, he had to be taken to hospital, and New Zealand diplomats were denied consular access to him, a grave breach of diplomatic rules. Police Commissioner Esala Teleni has just been speaking to reporters at a press conference in Suva, and among them was our correspondent, Samisoni Pareti.

TONGA: Sedition trial for MPs delayed nine months

Updated 05/11/2007 16:51:23

The fate of five Tongan politicians charged with sedition will not be known for at least another nine months. The trial of the five People's Representatives was scheduled to start at the Supreme Court in Nukualofa today but their lawyer submitted an appeal challenging a decision to allow the Crown to file two additional charges. As a result of the appeal the Supreme Court has postponed the trial till August next year. One of the charged MPs, pro-democracy movement leader 'Akilisi Pohiva, says the decision is going to frustrate their election campaign.

FIJI: New PINA manager is Fiji Broadcasting News Director

Updated 02/11/2007 12:00:26

The Director of News and Sport with the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Matai Akauola, has been appointed as the new manager of the Pacific Island News Association. PINA is the organisation which represents reporters, journalists and news organisations across the region. The position has been vacant for nearly three years and during that time the organisation has been criticised for losing direction. Mr Akauola is currently a board member of PINA, a position he is about to resign from. He says he accepts much of the criticism of PINA, saying he wants it to once more be an association people are proud to be associated with.

PNG: Copper mine forces re-routing of Kokoda track

Updated 02/11/2007 12:01:59

A week ago, Australia announced it would spend 16 million dollars to help gain world heritage listing for the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Now plans have been announced to re-route the iconic World War Two trail to accommodate a copper mine. A proposal by the Australian company Frontier Resources to mine near the Kokoda Track caused an up-roar last year with Australia's Prime Minister John Howard threatening to intervene. At the time the company said exploration would not affect the track - but it now says it's likely part of the track will have to be re-routed when full scale production begins in seven years.

PACIFIC:Economist calls for Fiji super 14 team

Updated 02/11/2007 12:00:26

Fiji's success in the Rugby World Cup has prompted renewed calls for a Fijian team to be allowed to play in the Super 14 competition, this time from an economist. Fiji Economist, Wadan Narsey, says the Super 14 is full of Fijian players playing for Australian and New Zealand teams but that those two countries will not allow a Fiji team to enter the competition. He believes a Fiji team in the competition would provide enormous economic benefits to Fiji.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Former PM guilty of ordering attack on law firm

Updated 02/11/2007 15:40:02

Former Solomon Islands prime minister Sir Allan Kemakeza is looking at serving time behind bars. The Honiara magistrates court has found Sir Allan guilty of ordering a group of Malaitan militants to attack a Honiara law firm in 2002. Magistrate Chris Vaas said he was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Sir Allan gave instructions to the militants to carry out the attack while he was prime minister. Sir Allan, who is the current deputy speaker of parliament and an opposition MP, will be sentenced on December 3.

TONGA: Rugby team hopes to capitalise on World Cup success

Updated 02/11/2007 15:40:02

The Tongan rugby union aims to ride the World Cup wave. The Ikale Tahi