PACIFIC BRIEFS

Tobacco firms win Marshalls case

MAJURO (PIR) — The High Court has thrown out a multi-billion dollar suit brought by the government, giving U.S. tobacco companies a major victory.

Judge H. Dee Johnson dismissed for lack of evidence 10 of the eleven charges filed against four tobacco concerns.

The dismissal centered on the legal requirement that the government’s attorneys produce evidence showing that the Marshall Islands had incurred special or additional medical expenses or costs due to smoking-related diseases.

In a 20-page opinion, Judge Johnson strongly criticized the government’s U.S.-based legal team, which he described as “salesmen peddling a lawsuit” who had not done their homework for their clients, Radio Australia reported.

A. Samoa college refuse to renew president’s contract

PAGO PAGO (PIR) — American Samoa Community College’s board voted on Friday not to renew Dr. Salu Hunkin’s contract as president.

The board has asked Dr. Hunkin to serve out her contract until it expires June 1.

The board, in a written statement, made it clear that it “did not terminate or fire Dr. Hunkin.” But it did not state why the educator, the younger sister of Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, was not reappointed.

Dr. Hunkin declined to comment on the matter.

Bougainville disarmament talks end sans pact

TOWNSVILLE (PIR) — Weeklong negotiations between Bougainville rebels and the Papua New government on arms disposal have ended without agreement.

The failure is a disappointing result for the Australian government, which hosted the negotiations and a military base.

Following a decade-long insurrection on the mineral-rich island, a cease-fire was signed in 1998. But progress toward weapons disposal and greater political autonomy for Bougainville has been slow.

Former Fiji PM appeals to India

SUVA (PIR) — Deposed Prime Minister Mahenra Chaudhry has appealed to India to generate more international support for the restoration of democracy in Fiji and a return to constitutional rule.

Chaudhry, Fiji’s first ethnic-Indian prime minister, was toppled in a coup last May by indigenous rebels.

He said he has asked India’s Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to use India’s influence to highlight the plight of Fiji’s Indian community.

Chaudhry said attention now is focused on Fiji’s Court of Appeals, which is to give its verdict on Thursday on the validity of the military-backedinterim administration ruling the country.