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"Claims of Fijian sovereignty need careful scrutiny, with recent events leading to the destruction of the Minerva Reefs. At this lonely outpost a perfectly innocent navigational beacon, . . . faced the full might of Fijian Sea Power, on the instructions of the military regime, was deployed to attack a defenseless and inanimate object." – Prime Minister's Office.

An application by the Fiji government for the extradition of Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara back to Fiji to face a sedition charge was received by the Tongan government yesterday, May 23 Busby Kautoke, Tonga's Chief Secretary and the Secretary to Cabinet confirmed this afternoon, May 24.

Bainimarama made a televised statement claiming that Tonga had breached Fijian Sovereignty. Remember, breaching a country's sovereignty involves international law. Accusations must be proven, diplomatic channels must be exhausted and above all, the rights of a person must be respected whether chief or commoner . . . - Fredetheon Kava.

A Tongan Under 20s national rugby squad for the IRB Junior Rugby World Championship in Italy from June 10 to 26 has been announced by the coach, Benhur Kivalu.

The Samoa PM's advice to Commodore Bainimarama? "Go fishing. Likely you'll be picked up by the same Tongan phantom boat that will take you to Nuku'alofa. After a long tit-for-tat there with Mara and the King, no doubt Bainimarama will come back ready to put Fiji back to the road to democracy and a better understanding of the rule of law and, of course, the law of the sea. - Taulaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

How Pacific Forum countries can build a way forward in the PACER Plus negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, is a demanding issue that is being discussed at the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting that opened in Neiafu, Vava'u today, May 18.

'Emeli Moala Pouvalu (57) who became the new Director of the Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture on May 2 has returned to Tonga after 12 years in Fiji education.

THE Government of Australia has increased its Official Development Assistance to Tonga by AUD$4.2 million and will also inject funds for teachers and nurses salaries, the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Islands Affairs, Hon Richard Marles announced in Nuku'alofa this morning, May 17.

In a brewing war of words with Fiji's leader, Tonga's Prime Minister indicated today that Tonga was not offering judicial immunity to Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, stating that "the King's offer of hospitality to his kinsman" should not be used by Fiji's Commodore for political gain.