Exclusive: Pence rebuffs Solomon Islands PM after nation cuts ties with Taiwanreu

EU to pursue web tax plan alone if global accord can’t be reached: commissioner

MILAN (Reuters) – The European Union plans to introduce a tax on digital services even in the absence of a global accord on a so-called ‘web tax’, the Commissioner-designate for Economic Affairs Paolo Gentiloni was quoted as saying on Monday. “My first task will be to see whether it is possible to introduce a web...

Greenpeace posts protest sign over Hyundai billboard in South Korea

SEOUL (Reuters) – Greenpeace campaigners climbed a 40-metre billboard advertisement for Hyundai Motor’s <005380.KS> near its head office in South Korea to post a sign reading “No more internal combustion engines”, the environmental group said on Monday. Police said they were investigating the group on suspicion of defacing the advertisement for a sedan next to...

PM Bainimarama and PM Morrison sign Vuvale partnership

THE Vuvale Partnership was today signed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in Canberra. The partnership, which was announced by Mr Morrison during his visit to Fiji earlier this year, will see enhanced cooperation in multiple areas of mutual interest between the two traditional neighbors. “I look forward to...

ACP Secretariat mobilises $12-billion in resources for members

APIA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (SAMOA OBSERVER) – The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States has mobilised more than €4 billion Euros ($12 billion tala) for projects in ACP countries, including Samoa over the past six years, according to its Assistant Secretary-General, Viwanou Gnassounou. “We have projects in every area including private sector...

Exclusive: Australia concluded China was behind hack on parliament, political parties – sources   

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian intelligence determined China was responsible for a cyber-attack on its national parliament and three largest political parties before the general election in May, five people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Australia’s cyber intelligence agency – the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) – concluded in March that China’s Ministry of...

Bougainvilleans must help each other: Semoso

BUKA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (POST COURIER) – Bougainvilleans should start helping each other instead of waiting for outsiders or donors. This was the message by Autonomous Bougainville Government Member for Tsitalato Fidelis Semoso when his people helped the people of Lautan in the Torokina district of South Bougainville raise funds for a new classroom for...

Norfolk administrator dismisses economic hardship claims

KINGSTON, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (RNZ PACIFIC) – The administrator on Norfolk Island has dismissed a claim by the Chamber of Commerce that the island is at risk of becoming a failed state. The chamber said businesses were continuing to fail and that the key industry, tourism, was struggling because of a steady fall in tourist...

Tonga declares public holiday for PM Pohiva’s state funeral

NUKU’ALOFA/AUCKLAND, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (RNZ PACIFIC) – The state funeral for the late Prime Minister of Tonga is to be held on Thursday, with an accompanying public holiday and national day of mourning. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who died in Auckland on Thursday after being hospitalised with pnuemonia, had been the longest serving MP in Tonga and...

Lies in Solomon Islands report: MOFA

TAIPEI, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (TAIPEI TIMES) – The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) declined to confirm or deny reports that China had offered US$500 million to the Solomon Islands to cut ties with Taiwan, but the ministry blasted a report by a Solomon Islands task force, which it said was full of misinformation. Rumours...

Solomon Islands urged to sever Taiwan ties in favour of China

HONIARA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (THE AUSTRALIAN) – Solomon Islands is moving towards forging closer ties with Beijing, after a cross-party committee recommended the country sever its relationship with Taiwan by October 01, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan has accused China of providing inducements to Solomon Islands politicians to...

Fiji PM in Canberra for talks with Morrison

CANBERRA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 (AAP) – Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama will enjoy all the trimmings of a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia. Bainimarama, who arrived in the country for private engagements last week, flew into Canberra on Sunday ahead of Monday’s talks with Australian Prime Minister...

Fiji’s contribution to world peace maintains global respect

THE island nation of Fiji continues to receive global recognition and admiration with its years of contribution to global peacekeeping. This time, and again from the United Nations Security Council, commending Fiji’s contribution of more than 40 years at the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Satyendra Prasad commended...

PM Bainimarama and delegation welcomed in first State visit to Sydney

FIJI’S Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his delegation were warmly welcomed upon arriving for his first official State visit to Sydney, Australia, yesterday. Head of the Office of the Pacific in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ewen McDonald and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes officially received PM Bainimarama and his delegation....

Nauru’s new president contradicts blacklist claim

YAREN, 13 SEPTEMBER 2019 (RNZ PACIFIC) – Nauru’s government has never meddled with the country’s courts, says newly elected President Lionel Aingimea, contradicting claims his administration has eased a controversial “blacklist” imposed on political opponents charged with rioting. In his first interview with international media since his election in August, Aingimea appeared to stamp out...

Cook Islands Government reject international calls for a 10-year moratorium on seabed mining

RAROTONGA, 13 SEPTEMBER 2019 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) – Cook Islands Government has rejected international calls for a 10-year moratorium on undersea mining. Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown describes a proposed moratorium as “confusing”, saying Cook Islands are among only a small number of Pacific islands that have the chance to mine their seabeds. There has...

Fijian PM honours Pohiva’s legacy

PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called on Pacific leaders to honour the legacy left behind by the late Prime Minister of Tonga, Akilisi Pohiva. Mr Pohiva died yesterday after he was evacuated to Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday after suffering from pneumonia. In a message on his official Facebook page, Mr Bainimarama said he mourned...

Namosimalua: Police yet to take footage

MORE than a month since suspended Opposition MP Pio Tikoduadua lodged a complaint at Totogo Police Station in Suva on allegations of assault against Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, police are yet to retrieve a copy of the video of the incident from the Parliament secretariat. This has been revealed by the acting secretary-general to Parliament,...

Regional