9 die from Freeport Lake collapse<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, Freeport officials claim a landslide sparked by heavy rains created an overflow of water at its mine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
PNG warns abortion doctors<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Doctors and practitioners found to be engaged in this activity will lose their license,” Mond warned.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Japan seeks to resume whale hunting<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The move raises prospects that Sperm and Bryde’s whale meat will return to Japanese markets for the first time in 15 years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ratu Mara won’t fire PM<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mara responded that he does not have the power to dismiss a democratically elected government. (Pacific Islands Report)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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