Australian government tightens grip over Pacific Islands Forum

Last week's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders' summit, held in the northern Australian city of Cairns, saw the Labor government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd move to extend its control over the regional body. Despite earlier statements from a number of Pacific governments expressing disquiet over Canberra's stance on issues including Fiji, climate change, and regional trade, every PIF member state toed the line and signed the final summit communiqué drafted by the Australian government. -By Frank Gaglioti