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Pacific Region News
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Posted on Oct 14 1999
Inmates burn jail in American Samoa
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa—Inmates at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, angry over restrictive visitation rules, vented their anger Saturday by setting most of the jail’s buildings on fire.
At least three fires were started simultaneously, destroying three of four cellblocks, office areas and the kitchen. The chapel was spared.
Fifteen of over 100 inmates escaped during the fire, but all are now back behind bars.
Irian Jaya political trial attacked
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—The West Papuan Independence Movement has condemned the trial of five men charged with subversion for raising a separatist flag at a military rally on July 1. They face up to 20 years in jail.
Clemens Runaweri, movement leader across the border in neighboring Papua New Guinea, said, “Flag raising is an expression of people’s aspirations for freedom and we condemn any punishment. It’s against human rights. It’s not a criminal act. It’s a political act.”
Bougainville autonomy offer rejected
BUKA, Papua New Guinea—The rebel faction of the Bougainville People’s Congress has rejected the national government’s offer of greater political autonomy for Bougainville, made in an effort to settle a still smoldering 10-year secessionist conflict.
Rebel spokesman Andrew Miriki said the offer has been rejected outright in favor of independence.
Bougainville Affairs Minister Sir Michael Somare announced last Wednesday, after a two-day visit to the island, that the government was willing to offer expanded Bougainville sovereignty.
PNG University boycott continues
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Whether to terminate the University of Papua New Guinea’s 1999 academic year will be decided Wednesday during an emergency meeting of the campus academic board.
The meeting has been called to address the current boycott of classes by students opposed to a government plan to increase university tuition fees by 25 percent next year.
Chancellor Rose Kekedo has encouraged students to return to classes immediately to prevent a complete university shutdown.(PIR)
