Pacific Regio News

Lack of funds hinders peace process

BUKA, Papua New Guinea—Bougainville People’s Congress President Joseph Kabui has warned that continuing delays in negotiating the island’s political future is strengthening the desire for self-determination.

Further negotiations with the national government were due to begin this week, but Monday they were postponed until mid February.

Kabui said the ruling is creating turmoil on the island that fought a ten-year secessionist war before agreeing to a ceasefire.

“The biggest problem,” he said is that “there’s literally no money. There’s no money to carry on with the overall peace process.”

NZ-Japan Pacific whaling row continues

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Tokyo has sent a letter of protest to Prime Minister Helen Clark, objecting to her public support of a campaign to stop Japanese whaling in the South Pacific.

Clark said meat from whales slaughtered under Japan’s research program is sold commercially. But Japan has denied the charge, saying its whaling program is legitimate research and in full compliance with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

The letter warned that Clark’s statement could hurt relations.

Marshalls inquiry into Taiwan links

MAJURO, Marshall Islands—New President Kessai Note has appointed Foreign Minister Alvin Jacklick to head an inquiry into the previous government’s decision to establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan last year.

Jacklick has been directed to investigate charges that lawmakers were bribed by Taiwanese diplomats, including a cabinet minister who was offered $100,000.

Ambassador Leo Fu-tien Liu has categorically denied the allegations.

Samoa murder trial enters second week.

APIA, Samoa—The murder trial of two former Samoan cabinet ministers entered its second week Monday.

Former Women’s Affairs Minister Leafa Vitale and former Communications Minister Toi Aukuso earlier pleaded not guilty to the murder of Works Minister Luagalau Levalau Kamu last summer.

The confessed assassin, Alatise Vitale, 34-year-old son of Leafa Vitale, is expected to give evidence against his father and Toi this week. He has admitted firing the murder weapon.

Last week’s testimony described the murder scene and presented medical evidence indicating that Luagalau bled to death despite efforts to revive him.

Special FSM Congress opens

PALIKIR, Federated States of Micronesia—A special session of Congress called by President Leo Falcam opened Monday and is expected to continue until February 12.

Major items to be considered include a supplementary budget request, extension of the government’s early retirement program and legislation to incorporate the FSM postal service.