Pacific Islands Report

9 die from Freeport Lake collapse

JAKARTA, Indonesia — At least nine people died and four others are missing following the collapse of a man-made lake used to accommodate waste from PT Freeport Indonesia’s copper and gold mine.

The Wanagon Lake in the country’s easternmost province of Irian Jaya burst after it was no longer able to handle waste from the company’s operations.

However, Freeport officials claim a landslide sparked by heavy rains created an overflow of water at its mine.

The accident adds to just one of many criticisms by international and Indonesian environmental groups blaming Freeport for allegedly damaging the environment, charges the company vehemently denies.

PNG warns abortion doctors

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Health Minister Ludger Mond told Parliament that abortion is illegal in the country and medical practitioners found to be guilty of committing the act would lose their license.

He said that a number of allegations of abortions have been brought to his attention, but they have been mainly unsubstantiated claims from third parties who fail to name the doctors involved.

“Doctors and practitioners found to be engaged in this activity will lose their license,” Mond warned.

He was responding to questions raised by a Parliamentarian who wanted to know if the minister was aware of the activities and what his office was doing about it.

Japan seeks to resume whale hunting

TOKYO, Japan — The International Whaling Commission is reviewing a request by Japan for permission to resume the hunting of Sperm and Bryde’s whales for the next two years.

The move raises prospects that Sperm and Bryde’s whale meat will return to Japanese markets for the first time in 15 years.

Although the killing of the whales has been illegal since 1986, the Commission allows an exemption on its worldwide ban for the purpose of scientific research.

Japan last year obtained permission to kill 500 Minke whales in the name of science. Their remains were later sold in fish markets for $47 million.

Ratu Mara won’t fire PM

SUVA, Fiji Islands — President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara said he will not dismiss Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s government despite mounting pressure from the revived Taukei Movement.

Apisai Tora, the interim president of the Taukei Movement, had petitioned the president to remove Chaudhry and his Coalition government, which was elected into office last year.

Tora said Chaudhry has ignored the concerns of indigenous Fijians and requested that Mara amend the 1997 Constitution so the reins of government remain in the hands of indigenous Fijians.

Mara responded that he does not have the power to dismiss a democratically elected government. (Pacific Islands Report)