Japan to build space shuttle runway in Kiribati

TARAWA, Kiribati—Japan signed an agreement with the Kiribati government Wednesday to build a landing strip in the tiny Pacific republic for an unmanned space shuttle.

The Japanese government’s National Space Development Agency will construct the facility on Christmas Island for use by its HOPE-X shuttle project. An early 2004 launching is projected.

NASDA said land for the landing strip is being leased for 20 years, with options for renewal.

“The lease will be basically free of charge but we expect to spend $21 million for roads and other necessary infrastructure,” a NASDA spokesman said.

Assassination trial in Samoa suspended

APIA, Samoa—The trial over the murder of cabinet minister Luagalau Levaula Kamu was adjourned Tuesday after the assassin, Eletise Vitale, 34, changed his story again, and said his father and another cabinet minister had urged him to do it.

Former women’s affairs minister Leafa Vitale and former communications minister Toi Aukuso are also charged with the murder but have pleaded not guilty.

Last week, Elitise Vitale recanted on his original confession to two New Zealand police officers, telling the court that it had been forced. But yesterday he returned to his original statement, saying his father and Toi had urged him to carry out the killing.

Proceedings now are in recess at the request of defense counsels.

Guam First Lady urged to run for governor

HAGATNA, Guam—A group of supporters of Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez want his wife to be the next governor.

Nearly 1,500 people shouted “Geri, Geri, Geri” at a recent Democratic Party gathering when the question of who should succeed Governor Gutierrez was raised.

Former Senator James Underwood said, “Behind every successful man there is an awesome woman.”

The swell of support for Guam First Lady Geraldine Gutierrez is being fostered by the belief that she can keep the administration’s current momentum going. The governor, who won a second term in 1998, is barred from immediately seeking reelection. His term ends in January 2003.

Tuvaluans seek refuge

SUVA, Fiji Islands—Tuvalu islanders will seek refuge in Fiji and New Zealand as the threat of losing their homes due to rising sea levels increases.

Scientists project that the group of atolls eventually will disappear beneath the sea as a result of environmental changes attributed to the warming of the earth.

Prime Minister Ionatana Ionatana told the AFP news agency that Fiji is relaxing its policies and bending its laws to allow Tuvaluans to take refuge and become permanent residents.

Ionatana said that some of his 11,000 people also want access to New Zealand and Australia.