Pacific Islands Report

No sanctions against Solomons

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – International trade unions agreed to honor their commitments not to pressure their governments to impose sanctions of any form on the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions President David Tuhanuku received the assurance after appealing to delegates at the South Pacific Oceania Council of Trade Unions meeting in New Zealand.

The delegates agreed that the situation in the Solomons is not similar to the political unrest in Fiji.

Rival groups Malaita Eagle Force and Isatabu Rebels Movement have been involved in an almost 2-year battle for control of the main island of Guadalcanal.

Hundreds march in Bougainville

ARAWA, Bougainville – Hundreds of people took to the streets of the tattered town of Arawa in central Bougainville in a peaceful protest march aimed at pushing for greater autonomy and a referendum for independence.

The march was held ahead of the fifth and final round of peace talks in Rabaul, East New Britain.

A similar march to be led by women is expected this week in Buka town, north of Bougainville.

North Solomons Governor John Momis said protestors are calling to an end to violence after the peace talks.

Fiji’s deposed PM seeks support

SUVA, Fiji – Deposed prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, met with government officials in Brussels to press the case for international sanctions against Fiji if his government is not reinstated.

Chaudhry, Fiji’s first ethnic Indian prime minister, met with European Parliamentarians and representatives of human rights and regional organizations in a two-hour session.
Chaudhry presented his plan calling for the restoration of democracy in Fiji.

He will next travel to New York to present his plan to the United Nations and at a ministerial meeting of the Commonwealth nations, which convenes there on September 15.

American Samoa women declare candidacy

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – An advocate of women’s issues and the rights of local farmers became the U.S. territory’s first woman candidate for the post of lieutenant governor.

Taimane Johnson is the running mate of Rosalia Tisa Faamuli, the first-ever woman gubernatorial candidate.

Faamuli first announced her candidacy for governor last month.

In seeking a running mate, Faamuli said she wanted preferably a woman candidate or someone who served in the military.

Nuie premier new USP chancellor

ALOFI, Niue – Premier Sani Lakatani was installed as the 11th Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.

The ceremony took place at Niue High School, where 13 teachers are on strike over a pay dispute with the government.

The appointment comes during the opening of the new USP Center building, which includes satellite-networking technology that allows students in Niue to take part in lectures from Suva and at other regional centers.