Fiji Secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns ... blames NZ and Australian news media. Photo: Minfo

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By the PMC news desk

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns has hit back in the controversy over fugitive ex-soldier Ratu Tevita Mara, blaming mostly the New Zealand media for helping “fuel rumours” and “false allegations”.

She also attacked the “anti-Fiji blogs” today, claiming they were “run by politically motivated individuals who are mostly failed politicians and a smattering of disgruntled journalists.”.

Mara, who is in Tonga awaiting a court bid for extradition by the Fiji government after fleeing his country while on bail for a sedition charge, has been waging a series of bitter YouTube-based attacks on the military-backed regime. Read more »

Article – West Papua Media Alerts

A recent case shows how Indonesia is abusing the rights of citizens in West Papua. Read more »

Press Release – New Zealand Labour Party

The Government’s rejection of Auckland’s proposed CBD loop underground rail link has more to do with National’s ideological dislike of Mayor Len Brown than it has to do with facts and figures, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Shane Jones. Read more »

Press Release – Asian Development Bank

Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Nationwide Microbank has signed up its 100,000th customer, highlighting the ongoing demand for quality and accessible banking services in the country. Read more »

Press Release – Republic Of New Zealand Party

Republic of New Zealand Party leader, Kerry Bevin, wonders why we still celebrate Queen’s Birthday. He also wonders why we have her representative, the Governor General here. Read more »

Press Release – CPIT

Its Samoan Language week and everyone is invited! The theme for 2011 is Samoa Ola: Samoa Active, focusing on language, sport and healthy living, and linking to the visit of Manu Samoa to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. Read more »

Press Release – Race Relations Commissioner

“O fanau a tagata e fafaga i upu, a o fanau a manu e fafaga i fugalaau” Read more »

Press Release – The Maori Party

Te Tai Tonga MP, Rahui Katene, has today praised the initiative of the seven runaka in the Southern Region for the significance of a relationship agreement with the Southern DHB. Read more »

An abandoned Panguna mine truck on Bougainville. Photo: ABC

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Aloysius Laukai in Buka

Me’ekamui tribal government has insisted it will not allow anyone to reopen the Panguna mine on Bougainville until all outstanding issues are resolved.

President Philip Miriori today rejected reports by an Australian newspaper on May 19 claiming that Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL) owned the Panguna mine, saying: “BCL – Rio Tinto has no rights to Panguna and any discussions or commitments with anyone including PNG or ABG [Autonomous Bougainville Government]  is counterproductive”.

He said the Me’ekamui government, which controlled the assets at Panguna and all natural resources within its boundaries, has refuted Bougainville President John Momis’ authority to enter into any understandings or agreements with Me’ekamui-owned land. Read more »

Press Release – Ben Jagger

Solid Top 10 Result But Jagger Says We Can Do Better A solid result from Ben Jagger inside the top 10 at Rally Wairarapa over the weekend has moved the Whangarei driver up in the points standings but he believes there is a lot more performance in the … Read more »