Pacific Region News

PNG, Bougainville leaders close to agreement

BUKA, Papua New Guinea -– The national government and Bougainville leaders are close to agreement on an autonomy package for the province, following a day of talks on offshore Buka Island.

But differences remain over the Bougainville leaders’ demand for a referendum on independence, which would require parliament to approve a change in Papua New Guinea’s constitution.

Foreign Minister and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Michael Somare, said the goal of the talks is to find an enduring political settlement to the Bougainville secessionist conflict.

A ceasefire has been in place since 1997, but the territory’s permanent political status remains to be settled.

Destroying Fiji documents mistake –– AG

SUVA, Fiji Islands -– Attorney General Anand Singh has called an order by Home Affairs Minister Jioji Uluinakauvadra to destroy documents kept by the Fiji Intelligence Service, to prevent embarrassment to past and present government officials, a “mistake.”

Singh said only Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has the powers to order the destruction of such confidential papers and Uluinakauvadra’s action was in violation of the Official Records Act.

The files included information about Chaudhry’s alleged misuse of funds and about the private lives of lawmakers.

New taxes imposed in American Samoa

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa - Recipients of such “regulated items” as tobacco, wine and liquor that arrive through the U.S. Postal Service for personal use, now are being charged a $5 customs declaration fee.

The regulation became effective Monday.

In addition, all items entering the territory by mail for resale or commercial use also now require the payment of a tax.

The Customs Division requires that invoices and other supporting documents for each shipment be provided before it can be released.