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Pacific Region News
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Posted on Jan 24 2000
American Samoa clearance for unleaded fuel
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – Approval has been given for the territory to import unleaded fuel from Australia and Singapore even though it does not meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.
Governor Tauese Sunia said an exception was made because the company which has supplied American Samoa’s gasoline needs for decades, Tesoro South Pacific, unexpectedly pulled out of the market last year.
This left American Samoa with deliveries from Mobil and BP, whose petroleum supplies come from refineries in Australia and Singapore.
The EPA has agreed not to enforce requirements that only unleaded fuel be imported for one year.
Bougainville congress wants talks
BUKA, Papua New Guinea – The Bougainville People’s Congress has warned that any further delay in negotiations over autonomy or independence could result in a new outbreak of secessionist violence.
Congress Vice President James Tanis said island leaders are still waiting for the national government to forward a counter offer to proposals they made last month.
Tanis warned that a call for a unilateral declaration of independence for Bougainville is under consideration.
Niue’s Premier Lakatani discussing aid
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Niue’s Premier Sani Lakatani has arrived in the capital for talks with new Prime Minister Helen Clark on aid commitments.
The New Zealand government, in a recently released report, recommended reducing its aid package for Niue, a former colony.
The report recommends that annual assistance be reduced gradually to $5.4 million over a three-year period.
Fiji women call for prostitution regulation
SUVA, Fiji Islands – The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has called for the regulation of the country’s prostitution industry.
Movement spokesperson Gina Houng Lee said given the economic constraints faced by women, regulation is the best option. She said this would ensure that prostitutes were appropriately licensed and avoided harassment, and that safe sex measures were introduced.
Fiji’s Law Reform Commission earlier this week suggested that it was looking at legalizing prostitution, a proposal opposed by church groups.
