PACIFIC BRIEFS

Bougainville negotiations resume

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Negotiations on Bougainville’s political future have resumed after coming close to collapse over the weekend.

Leaders from the island province, which fought a 10-year secessionist war before agreeing to a cease-fire, threatened to pull out of the talks over slow progress on issues of political autonomy and an independence referendum.

Bougainville Peoples Congress President Joseph Kabui spoke Tuesday of Bougainville becoming a nation within a nation, with its own currency, police, tax laws and international trading powers.

Fiji PM Qarase asks for forgiveness

SUVA, Fiji Islands – Interim Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase pleaded Monday for Fiji’s people to be forgiving of each other “to enable the country to get back on its feet” following the May 19 coup.

He told the National Council for Reconciliation and Unity, meeting in the capital, “If we act quickly, we can prevent our beloved nation from drifting into more trouble and the resulting suffering.”

He said the majority of people have religion as a common factor and this worked to the country’s advantage.

Members of the National Council for Reconciliation and Unity include representatives from religious groups, the Great Council of Chiefs, the business community, academics and permanent secretaries from 12 Government ministries.

Marshalls finance employees suspended

MAJURO, Marshall Islands – A corruption probe in the Ministry of Finance has led to the suspension of several employees while investigations continue.

Government officials confirmed that an investigation has discovered numerous discrepancies in paychecks issued to some government employees, the Marshall Islands Journal reported.

The apparent abuses involve paying large amounts of overtime hours, reducing the required amount of taxes deducted from paychecks and other irregularities.

Sandra Pierantozzi is Palau VP

KOROR, Palau – Senator Sandra Pierantozzi has defeated Alan Seid, her nephew, in an upset race for Palau’s next vice president.

Her opponent was backed by the outgoing administration of Kuniwo Nakamura.

Pierantozzi, a University of Hawaii graduate, is considered the voice of Palauan women, fighting for their rights and equality with men.

The winning presidential candidate is current Vice President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. (Pacific Islands Report)