Results for Pacific Islands

Asked about the Australian government's reaction to Tonga's controversial new media laws, the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told a Press Conference in Nuku'alofa on December 17 that "We are not the regional policeman . . . the moral judge and jury for the region, it is not our job."

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said in Tonga that Australia was uping its effort and making stronger or more forceful contributions in the Pacific.

Drug trafficking, terrorism, and the spread of HIV aids are the latest menaces to worry Pacific leaders, says Sir Julius Chan, the former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. - Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3

Tonga’s little cruise ship, the M.V. Oleanda, has sailed to Auckland, New Zealand, to offer its services as a support ship for the America’s Cup yacht races. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

Fiji is moving to expand its trade with its neighbouring island states in an effort to revive its economy after the May 19 coup d’etat. From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 1, June 2001.

Over 100 people are now being investigated for treason in Fiji. This includes some influential and prominent business people, reported Fiji Live on September 5. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola said he was very pleased with his meeting with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer, the Fiji Daily Post reported on August 26. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Lopeti Senituli, the former Director of the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, the Secretariat of the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific movement, was in Fiji when George Speight and his armed men entered parliament on May 19 and held hostage the Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his cabinet members. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.