PACIFIC BRIEFS

Fiji coalition wants parliament recalled

SUVA, Fiji (PIR) — The ousted People’s Coalition government has written to interim President Ratu Josefa Iloilo calling for an urgent session of parliament.

The move follows last Thursday’s landmark decision by the Court of Appeal, which found the interim government illegal.

The leaders of the five parties represented in the coalition, including deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry signed the letter

The letter states that despite the coup and political turmoil of last year, they believe that the parties have retained a clear majority with the support of at least 54 of the 71 elected MPs.

French Polynesians go to the polls this weekend

PAPE’ETE, French Polynesia (PIR) — Voters will go to the polls this weekend in municipal elections that are expected to show increased support for independence from France.

Tavini Huiraatira, the pro-independence party, has for the first time candidates running in all municipalities.

“It’s a sign that our movement is growing,” said the party’s vice president, Thea Hershon.

Fighting government corruption and the need for local governments to manage their own resources are the two main planks in the party’s platform.

PNG Military urged to sell headquarters, cut force size

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — A Commonwealth study group reviewing the nation’s defense force has recommended selling the military headquarters, Murray Barracks, and downsizing from the current 4,150 troops to 1,900.

It also recommended establishing a fixed three-year term for future commanders and enforcing a revised code of military discipline.

The recommended 1,900 troops would be made up of 85 personnel at headquarters, 100 at the defense supply agency, 50 at the training center, 1,450 infantrymen in two companies (of 725 men each), 50 in the maritime service and 65 in the air wing.

Solomons NGOs urged to inform people of money crisis

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (PIR) — Non-government organizations have been urged to help inform the citizenry about the severe financial crisis the country faces.

Denton Rarawa, deputy governor of the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands, said the country is surviving on assistance from overseas development partners in the form of grants, loans and other fiscal transfers.

He warned that the country will not be able to afford to import essential items, including food, medicine and fuel, once its depleted reserves completely dry up.