21 APRIL 2009

PNG (The National) ---- There will be no sweet deals with China with gas to be exported by the InterOil led consortium. That is the word from State Enterprise Minister Arthur Somare on his return from China yesterday.

Mr. Somare was part of the delegation of his father, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who was on an official visit to China. Sir Michael had enthusiastically backed the Elk-Antelope project in the Gulf province, and has made at least two visits to the site to flare gas there.

PRESS STATEMENT 16/09
Wednesday, 15th April 2009

The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Premier of Niue, the Hon. Toke Talagi MP, has condemned recent developments in Fiji in which the constitution was purportedly set aside, judges and other legal officials dismissed and emergency regulations promulgated to restrict basic human rights, including media freedom, in the country.

“I condemn the actions of the military regime in Fiji to date, the abrogation of the Constitution and reappointment of members of the previous Interim Government in direct contravention of Fiji law as determined by the Court of Appeal on 9th April 2009,” the Chair said.

15 APRIL 2009 PORT VILA

(Pacnews) ---- In these tough economic times it seems hard to believe any country could end up in a bind for doing too well, but that's exactly the situation confronting the Pacific nation of Vanuatu, reports ABC news.

Until now, it's been living in relatively comfortable isolation from the rest of the international economic community. Even the region's most remote societies are being drawn into globalisation.  The island nation has rich, volcanic soil and a constant supply of fresh water. Economic growth has been strong and tourists continue to flock.