Pacific Islands Report

Solomons peace delayed

HONIARA, Solomon Islands—Talks to resolve the country’s long-running sectarian strife have been thrown into doubt after one of two militant groups announced it would not attend.

The talks have been scheduled for next week at Buala on Isabel Island, regarded as neutral territory.

The Guadalcanal-based Isatabu Freedom Movement confirmed it will attend the talks, but its opponent, the Malaitan Eagle Force, now said it will not participate.

Polynesian airlines profitable

APIA, Samoa—Polynesian Airlines said it’s established a sound financial base and remains committed to complying with a government directive to boost tourist arrivals.

The Samoa-based airline announced a net profit of $1.3 million for 1999.

Managing Director Richard Gates said the airline plans to lease a
new-generation Boeing 737-800 next year.

He said the airline plans to increase passenger capacity by developing new routes to Sydney and Honolulu.

Fiji prison overcrowded

SUVA, Fiji Islands—Members of a cabinet subcommittee toured Fiji’s prison and declared its conditions overcrowded, understaffed and unfit for human habitation.

The parliamentarians, led by Attorney-General Anand Singh, visited the prison to assess plans to tear down the main cellblock, which was built in 1912.

The group was taken to the condemned main cellblock, where prisoners live in dark, damp conditions with cracks in the walls and paint peeling from the ceiling.

Singh said the government is looking at getting money to improve prison facilities by the middle of next year.

Tuna treaty signing in August

SUVA, Fiji Islands—An unprecedented fisheries treaty to conserve the Pacific’s valuable tuna stocks is expected to be signed by more than 20 countries in August during a conference in Fiji.

Officials in the Marshall Islands said while it is unlikely that agreement will be reached on all aspects of the treaty by August, most countries involved are expected to sign it.

Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Director Danny Wase said a 2000 deadline for completing negotiations was set when the first multilateral high-level conference on fisheries was held to launch treaty talks in 1997.

The treaty would be the first of its kind aimed at managing and conserving the Pacific’s $3 billion annual tuna fishing industry.

Most lawmakers carry handguns

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta revealed that most members of Parliament carry concealed handguns.

His disclosure was announced in Parliament in an effort to end a long-running controversy over government officials arming themselves at taxpayer expense.

The country’s strict firearms laws are enforced for most of the public, resulting in a few civilians licensed to carry a handgun or rifle. (Pacific Islands Report)