5 survive 13-day sea ordeal

SUVA, Fiji Islands—Five villagers who survived 13 days adrift at sea with six coconuts now are safe on Lakeba after being rushed to the island hospital for extensive medical checks.

Doctors said the men, who finally drifted ashore after being pulled out to sea by strong currents, are in amazingly good condition after their ordeal.

A weekend funeral service planned for the men was canceled and replaced with welcome home festivities.

Taiwan ties may cost Palau new airline

KOROR, Palau—A planned airline joint venture between Palau and Air Macau is in jeopardy.

The issue results from Palau’s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan immediately following Macau’s return to China at the end of last year.  China has considered Taiwan a renegade province since its breakaway from the mainland in 1949.

Senator Santos Olikong said further negotiations with Air Macau officials now might have to wait a while.

Marshall Is. college gets good marks

MAJURO, Marshall Islands —The College of the Marshall Islands has been reaccredited by the California-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The accrediting team ?observed a strong sense of dedication to the college and its students,? their report stated. College President Alfred Capelle said the accreditation “gives us credibility” and means that CMI students can easily transfer credits to off-island universities.

The College of the Marshall Islands is the country’s only institution of higher education.

Air Niugini eyes 25 percent fare hike

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Air Niugini will increase its international airfares by 25 percent starting Monday, managing director Andrew Ogil has announced.

He said that the continuous decline in the value of the kina in recent years has severely affected airline operations, as U.S. dollars are used to pay for fuel, spare parts and interest/lease payments.

Just last July, a 40 percent fare increase was applied and ticket prices are slated to go up still another 10 percent before the end of the year.

European team eyes fishing deal with PNG

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Europe Commission representatives will visit next month to explore the possibility of developing a government fishing agreement.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sir John Kaputin said commission officials are very much aware of Papua New Guinea’s enormous fishing potential and are keen to enter into a cooperative business arrangement.

However, he said serious concern has been raised over the law and order situation in the country.  Commission representatives have urged the government to take steps to address the problem immediately.