Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, January 7-10, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

A 36-year old woman was extradited from Fiji last week over the alleged misappropriation of monies exceeding $100,000 pa'anga at the ANZ Bank in Tonga. The suspect, a resident of Tatakamotonga, has been with the bank for eight years, according to a report in the Taimi on January 7, and she remains in police custody.

In another court case 'Eleveni Latu of 'Anana had appeared at the Nuku'alofa Police Magistrates Court facing charges relating to a letter he wrote to the King and Princess Pilolevu, allegedly demanding $3.7 million and threatening to release boxes of files purportedly containing secrets of the Shoreline Group, Royal Beer, and Tongasat, the Taimi on January 10 reports.

The Talaki on January 9 reports that the Ministry of Tourism CEO Edgar Cocker had panned a skipping contest at the Vava'u Festival week, as wasteful expenditures.

Who done it? The Taimi on January 7 posed the question as to which minister is responsible for leaking information on proceedings within the Privy Council and Cabinet to media organizations.

Government officials quizzed, disputed, and rebuked Transparency International Fiji chairman Hari Singh over Tonga's ranking as the fifth most corrupt nation in the world.

Transport Minister Paul Karalus vows that air services to the Two Niuas will resume at the end of the month.

Director of Education Dr. Uili Fukofuka said that 90% of his department's budget is spent on teacher's salaries; leaving them no choice but to raise school fees.

The Chinese ambassador presented footwear, overalls, headgear, and blankets worth $500,000 to the Tonga Defence Services.

The Kalonikali on January 10 reports that in her Christmas and New Year message, the Princess Regent spoke of the commemorations observed around the world over natural disasters that have befallen them, such as the tsunami of 2004. While here in Tonga, we commemorate a newcomer to this country, the riots of November 16.

According to Kuli Fakalolo, who heads the third contingent from the Tonga Defence Services to be deployed to Iraq, each of the 55 soldiers under his command was given the option of withdrawing but none did. The contingent was to leave on Saturday January 12 for training in Hawai'I and Kuwait before moving in to Iraq.