Pacific Briefs

Law and order problems hurt foreign investments

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Outgoing Ambassador Zhang Pengxiang, in a farewell speech at the Chinese Embassy, cited law and order problems and land issues as major drawbacks to Papua New Guinea’s economic development.

He urged the government to find solutions to the problems if it wants to encourage more foreign investment.

Zhang also thanked Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta for “correcting the wrong” of the previous government, which temporarily established official ties with Taiwan earlier this year.

U.S. to audit air Marshall islands

MAJURO, Marshall Islands—Air Marshall Islands will be audited by the U.S. Interior Department’s Inspector General’s office next year, one of audits planned for U.S. territories but the only one in the Freely Associated States.

In addition to the Marshalls, the Freely Associated States include Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Interior audit will examine the use of U.S. funding provided to the airline since 1986 under the U.S.-Marshall Islands Compact of Free Association.

According to a Marshall Islands Journal report, the airline sustained operating losses of $21.2 million during the past seven years.

Islander mobility spreads HIV

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—High mobility among Pacific Islanders is a significant factor in the regional spread of HIV/AIDS, according to United

Nations Development Program officer Linda Peterson.

Speaking at the 5th International Congress on HIV/AIDS, Peterson said the constant movement of Pacific people from island to island, living and working overseas for extended periods and being in frequent contact with international tourists resulted in their having many sex partners.

A high numbers of young people between the ages of 15 and 24, who are sexually active, also contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS, she said.

German embassy in Port Moresby to close

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Acting German Ambassador Jurgen Lubczyk has announced that his country’s embassy, the only one in the Pacific Islands region, will close before the end of the month due to German government fiscal problems.

It is one of four embassies and 20 consular agencies closing worldwide.

Lubczyk said all diplomatic functions between Papua New Guinea and Germany will be transferred to the German embassy in Canberra, Australia.

Approval for new Johnston burning

HONOLULU, Hawaii—The Environmental Protection Agency has authorized the U.S. Army to incinerate previously undiscovered chemical weapons, including rocket parts and mortar cartridges contaminated with mustard blistering agent, on Johnston Atoll.

JACADS, the Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System, is expected to take six months to dispose of the material.

The facility is located about 825 miles southwest of Honolulu. The highest point on the atoll is seven feet.