PACIFIC BRIEFS

Samoa PM says he has support

APIA, Samoa (PIR) — Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told the nation Monday that with the support of independents he has enough votes in parliament to continue governing the South Pacific nation.

Still unofficial results from Friday’s election give Tuilaepa’s Human Rights Protection Party 23 of the legislature’s 49 seats. Independents won 13 seats.

The Samoa National Development Party, led by former Prime Minister Tupua Tamasese Efi, also took 13 seats.

Fiji military worries about return of Chaudhry

SUVA, Fiji (PIR) — The military forces regard former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry as a threat to national security if he returns as head of the government.

It is one of the conclusions reached after top level discussions on the implications of the Fiji Court of Appeal ruling last Thursday that the 1997 constitution is Fiji’s supreme law and the current interim administration is not legal.

The military’s view will be relayed to the National Security Council, which meets Monday discuss the current political situation.

“The military is hoping that the pathway chosen to return Fiji t constitutional rule is in accordance with the law – that is according to th provisions of the 1997 constitution,” a military spokesperson said, “But a the same time, as a matter of national interest, we cannot afford to have Mr. Chaudhry and his group back.”

Phone cut off on Bougainville over debt

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — Telikom PNG has pulled the plug on Bougainville administration, including the governor’s office, for non-payment of telephone bills.

Records show that the Bougainville provincial government and its various divisions owe more than $ 25,000 to Telikom dating back to last November.

Administrator Francis Kabano said because of many “competing needs,” it is impossible to pay for the service until “appropriate funding is provided” by the national government.

27 cases of dengue fever

PAPE’ETE, French Polynesia (PIR) — Health officials have confirmed 27 cases of dengue fever.

The epidemic broke out at the same time last month on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora, both with many visitor resorts. Others cases have be diagnosed on Raiatea and Taha’a.

The health department is monitoring the situation.