Pacific Islands Report

Fijian crisis claims second victim

SUVA, Fiji Islands — The country’s political crisis claimed a second life when the man shot by troops last week died in a Suva hospital.

The death comes as the rebels and Fiji’s military continue to discuss a timetable that could see the hostages released on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old man was one of five rebel supporters wounded in gunfire during a clash with Fiji troops outside parliament last week Tuesday.

The man, wounded in the arm and legs, had fallen into a coma.

A policeman who was shot in the riot died on May 28.

N. Zealand warns Solomons of aid cut-off

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff warned that the Solomons won’t be getting any form of aid from his government until warring factions lay down their arms and commit themselves to the peace process.

But he said the election of Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister offers a good chance of reconciliation between the battling Malaitan and Guadalcanal militia.

Goff told Television New Zealand the international community will consider financial or military assistance only when the militia groups disarm.

Marshall Is. tainted by money laundering

MAJURO, Marshall Islands — Frustrated local leaders said the Marshalls is being unfairly blacklisted along with 14 other countries for not cooperating in an investigation involving international money laundering in Nauru, where billions of Russian mafia funds were laundered through offshore banks.

Foreign Secretary Marie Maddison said the government has drafted legislation to be introduced in August that will lead to better cooperation with the U.S. and other officials in the fight against money laundering.

A high level Marshall Islands delegation met with U.S., British, French and Japanese officials at a meeting on money laundering in Australia last month to outline the Marshalls’ efforts to implement preventative measures.

“It seems like no one was listening,” Maddison said.

Cook Islands votes down casino project

AVARUA, Rarotonga — Members of two more organizations in the Cook Islands have joined traditional and church leaders in opposing the proposed casino project at the Hilton Vaimaanga Hotel.

A majority – 86 percent – of the Tourism Industry Council in a survey of accommodators, tour operators and other tourism industry leaders voted against the casino project.

Cook Islands Chamber members voted 16 to 0 against the casino.
Casino developers will have a chance to present their case to the groups later this month.