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PACIFIC BRIEFS
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Posted on Nov 09 2000
Fijian military officers under house arrest
SUVA, Fiji Islands – Two of Fiji’s top military officers have been placed under house arrest and ordered not to leave the country while an investigation into last Thursday’s failed mutiny gets under way.
Former military spokesman Lt. Col. Filipo Tarakinikini and Col. Ulaiafi Vatu are now required to advise the military of any changes in their whereabouts.
Last week’s unsuccessful mutiny left eight soldiers dead and more than 30 persons, including civilians, injured.
Pacific forum seeks Taiwan investments
SUVA, Fiji Islands – A delegation from the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum will visit Taiwan later this month to promote investment in island countries.
An official at the Taiwan trade mission in Suva said the delegates will meet primarily with private sector representatives. However, the delegation also will confer with foreign affairs and economic ministry officials to encourage increased government investment in the Pacific region.
PNG deputy PM to seek leadership
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Deputy Prime Minister Mao Zeming, fired by Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta for alleged disloyalty, has announced that he will challenge the leadership of the governing People’s Democratic Movement party at a caucus next week.
Zeming said he voted last week to help defeat a motion that would have led to Morauta facing a no confidence motion in Parliament. But Morauta said Zeming was secretly behind the no confidence move.
Zeming said he has no ambition to become prime minister but wants to test whether Morauta’s decision to sack him has the party’s support.
New Caledonia prepares for military exercise
NOUMÉA, New Caledonia – New Caledonia’s armed forces will conduct a large-scale training exercise, code named “Southern Cross,” November 10-20.
Virtually all of the French territory’s military, including land, navy and air force units, will participate in the annual training project.
About 100 soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand armies also will be involved. (Pacific Islands Report)
