Pacific Islands Report

Speight threatens retaliation

SUVA, Fiji Islands — Coup leader George Speight has threatened retaliation for announcing a new interim prime minister — senior banking executive Laisenia Qarase — and 18 other ministers to prepare for new national elections in two years.

The rebels were given no say in who should serve in the new government.

Speight said, “The army, in so doing and completely ignoring this group, has the very real possibility of making a lot of people very, very upset.

“All I can say is if the army is wishing to test the extent of the support that we have, then this one example of them doing it and only time will tell, as to what might take place, inside and outside of Parliament.”

Speight continues to hold 27 hostages, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. They were taken captive in Parliament on May 19.

Military head, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said he will remain the head of state until the 27 hostages are released and a new president is appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs.

New Solomons PM calls for peace talks

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — New Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed to rival militias to begin peace talks, following renewed outbreaks of fighting.

The Malaita Eagle Force used a converted bulldozer as a tank to attack its rivals, killing at least two members of the Guadalcanal Isatabu Freedom Movement.

Near-naked Isatabu warriors with homemade rifles waved “magic” clubs that were supposed to protect their owners against the Malaitan’s bullets, Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald reported.

New Caledonia factory spill poisons fish

NOUMEA, New Caledonia — Hundreds of small fish were found dead in a river near a factory following a power outage in the capital.

The power outage, which also affected outlying neighborhoods, forced a dairy factory to destroy milk that had turned sour.

The employees later washed the dairy tanks with sodium and rinsed the residue in the nearby Arroyo River, turning its waters into a strange white color that is believed to have killed the fish.

A. Samoa probes illegal massage parlor

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — The Attorney General’s Office is investigating allegations that a local nightclub in Atuu is secretly operating an illegal massage parlor.

The allegations are under investigation by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.

A report by the liquor inspector said the nightclub employs 20 to 30 Asian women as waitresses who also give massages to patrons for prices ranging between $75 and $200.
Most of the women involved come from China.