Pacific News Email for Monday, 4 June 2012
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Disagreement delays PNG seabed mining
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:05:00 +1000
Explorer Nautilus Minerals says a dispute with the Papua New Guinea government may result in a slowing or deferral of its plans to be the first group in the world to mine deep-sea gold and copper.
The government in Port Moresby signed an agreement with Nautilus in March last year to take a 30 per cent stake in the project.
The government says Nautilus has not met some of its obligations and so PNG has not paid its share of the substantial project development costs.
In a statement to the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nautilus announced it has initiated the official dispute resolution process.
Senior representatives from both sides have 10 days to resolve their differences or face arbitration.
Seafloor mining is due to start before the end of next year.
Nautilus says the dispute has the potential to delay that timetable and to push up project costs.
To view this story on our website, visit:
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Trade more with Asia, Pacific is urged
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:42:00 +1000
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is calling for Pacific nations to strike up more trade deals in Asia.
The call was made at the recent meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in Bangkok.
Delegates were told the most important factor for the success of regional economic integration is access to larger markets like those in Asia
Shiu Raj, from the secretariat, based in Fiji, says it is all about exposing developing countries to more trade opportunities
"The relationship that we are looking at really is how can the Pacific countries learn more from the experience of the Asian countries," Raj said.
It was also to "use some of the mechanisms which (have) proved to be successful initiatives of integration."
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Australia pledges aid towards Fiji democracy
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:48:00 +1000
Foreign Minister Bob Carr says Australia has offered Fiji financial support to help return it to democracy.
He says more than $AU2.5 million in aid will help Fiji hold to its commitment to have free and fair elections and a transition to democracy in 2014.
Senator Carr says the money will go towards free and fair elections.
"That will fund a strong electoral office, a voter registration drive, and the completion of the process of constitutional consultation that proceeds the setting up of a new constitution," he said.
"The government assures us it's serious about an election in 2014 and we're assisting them to deliver that."
However, Senator Carr says there's no guarantees it will be successful.
"We can't be certain," he said.
"Like the other neighbours of Fiji in the Pacific we want to keep a watchful eye on the openness transparency of the constitutional consultation that's underway in Fiji.
"But the interim government assures us it's serious about an election in 2014."
To view this story on our website, visit:
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Anti-freckle cream could hold key to Earhart mystery
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:28:00 +1000
A new study has found that dozens of previously dismissed radio signals and a jar of anti-freckle cream could hold clues to one of the great aviation mysteries of the twentieth century.
Pilot Amelia Earhart set off in 1937 from Papua New Guinea in a Lockheed Electra aircraft to circumnavigate the globe over the equator, its longest route.
But she and her navigator Fred Noonan were never seen again, despite a massive search mounted by United States authorities in the midst of the Great Depression.
Historians have long hoped to answer the question of whether Earhart and Noonan died quickly or - as generations of history buffs have imagined - they lived as castaways.
Now, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery says transmissions were picked up for days after she sent her last inflight message.
At the time, the radio distress calls were dismissed as fakes, but the experts say the transmissions prove Earhart did not die in a plane crash.
The researchers also say a jar of anti-freckle cream found in pieces on Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific - near where Earhart disappeared in 1937 - could provide clues.
The late pilot was known to conceal her freckles, and two years ago researchers on the same island found buttons and a zip.
The research group say it is determined to prove Earhart and her navigator eventually died as as castaways on a remote island.
In March, the US vowed to help solve the 75-year-old mystery, with secretary of state Hillary Clinton at the time describing the trailblazing female pilot as a personal and national heroine and offered moral support for an upcoming expedition.
Divers will start looking for Earhart's plane next month.
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Check-up to keep Vanuatu beef on the table
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:33:00 +1000
A delegation from the agency Food Standards Australia New Zealand is in Vanuatu, checking and verifying the country's beef production systems.
The industry is well regulated and has proved itself to be successful in exporting beef to overseas markets such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu's main market is Papua New Guinea.
The agency's Dr Scott Crerar says their visit is to ensure Vanuatu can continue to trade beef products with Australia in the future and expand its export base.
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HIV/AIDS treatment costs rise under trade protections: lawyer
Last Updated: Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:56:00 +1000
A human rights lawyer says some international trade deals are stopping patients accessing vital treatment for HIV/AIDS
The number of HIV/AIDS cases is still increasing in the Pacific region, particularly in Papua New Guinea
Lawyer Kajal Bhardwaj says the barriers of trade agreements mean some medicines are very expensive in some developing nations where they are most needed.
She says part of the problem is restrictive intellectual property rights.
Ms Bhardwaj says the solution is for governments to plan well ahead so they can afford the drugs that are needed to save lives.
"Organisations like the World Health Organisation have actually come up with models for governments to access what the impact is going to be in the next five, ten 15 or 20 years," she said.
"So you can actually see the evidence of how much the medicines would go up."
To view this story on our website, visit:
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-------------------------------
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Monday, June 04, 2012
Friday, June 01, 2012
Radio Australia News - Pacific News Email - Friday
Pacific News Email for Friday, 1 June 2012
-------------------------------
China a better Pacific friend than US: Samoa PM
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:47:00 +1000
Samoa's Prime Minister says China is a truer friend of Pacific countries than the United States.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele says that China is more flexible in its aid and has proven itself willing to forgive debt.
Samoa is celebrating its golden jubilee of independence from New Zealand.
Many of the largest buildings in the Samoan capital, Apia, were built by Chinese companies and funded with soft loans from China.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa says it is the sort of help it cannot get from its traditional partners.
"We brought the Chinese in," he told Australia Network's Pacific correspondent, Sean Dorney.
"We asked them to come and fill in the gap that New Zealand and Australia cannot do for us."
Prime Minister Tuilaepa accuses the United States of a lack of interest in the South Pacific.
"You (the US) are only interested in areas where fighting, wars are fought.
"And I know why. So it will help your industries, your war machines. But you're not interested in the Pacific because it is peaceful."
Celebration of stability
Samoa's Prime Minister says his country - which is this week celebrating 50 years of independence from New Zealand - has worked hard to maintain stability.
The Prime Minister has been in power for 14 years and his Human Rights Protection Party has governed for most of the past 30 years.
He says stability has grown since the early days of independence.
"It was not easy for them," he said of the early leaders.
"For one thing, you need to have monies to run the government and to impose tax.
"(That) was something completely new to our people, to impose duty.
"Self-sacrifice was not yet absolved and accepted in full, so they had to move very carefully not to alienate the people at the same time."
Meanwhile, Samoa will release 35 prisoners from jail, saying they will be pardoned as part of its independence celebrations.
Head of state Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi announced the pardon to the thousands who gathered at Parliament to mark the jubilee.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3515757.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
'Squatter' politicians stop Vanuatu classes
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:12:00 +1000
Parents on Tanna island, in Vanuatu, have urged the education minister to remove politicians from Lenakel secondary school.
Political parties traditionally use school facilities to run their congresses, families say.
The parents said children are yet to enter classrooms and dormitory for the start of the current term because politicians are still occupying them.
They said they have paid school fees and their children are missing out on their education.
During a talkback segment on local radio, parents urged Marcelino Pepite and the the prime minister, Sato Kilman, to remove the politicians from the school where they have been conducting a party congress.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516420.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Solomon Islands gripped by soccer fever
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:59:00 +1000
Solomon Islands' host-nation status has been tipped as the biggest threat to New Zealand in the Oceania Football Confederation Nation's Cup over the next 10 days.
The soccer tournament, the second round of the OFC qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is now under way.
Samoa first took on Tahiti Nui in Honiara - to be trounced 10-1 - followed by New Caledonia's 5-2 win over Vanuatu.
New Zealand is favourite to win, but Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu are well-placed to put pressure on the Kiwi side.
Former NZ international Wynton Rufer, Oceania's player of the century, said of the Solomon Islands fans: "Football is the number one sport. They are really passionate about the game and they do have some outstanding individuals.
"There will be a packed stadium every time Solomon Islands plays.
"That's home advantage - that's a big bonus, and I think it will be really difficult to get past Solomon Islands and it'll even be tough for New Zealand."
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516299.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
All Blacks spread the fame and the profits
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:21:00 +1000
The New Zealand Rugby Union is hoping to cash in on the value of the All Blacks brand by renaming two of the other national teams.
New Zealand Maori and the national men's sevens team will in future be known as the Maori All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens.
The logos on their jerseys will be changed to incorporate the All Blacks name.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew says the changes will appeal to potential international sponsors.
The changes take effect for the next International Rugby Board sevens circuit and for the Maori team on their end-of-year tour in the northern hemisphere.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516427.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Tobacco firm worried by Solomons law
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:51:00 +1000
The Solomon Island Tobacco Company says it might have to close its factory if government officials do not talk to it about the impact of new tobacco regulations.
The Tobacco Control Act 2010 came into effect on Friday.
Tobacco Company general manager, George Panao, says if the regulations are enforced it will mean closing the factory until it can legally comply.
He says the factory provides for 150 families and provides $US17 million in government revenue.
But opposition leader Derek Sikua congratulated the Minister for Health, Charles Sigoto, for advancing the cause of a tobacco-free Solomon Islands.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516401.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
No concern in China's PNG funding, says academic
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:59:00 +1000
A specialist on China says Chinese investment in Papua New Guinea will continue to grow - but from a relatively low base and not in a systematic fashion.
It has been reported that over the five years to the end of 2010, Chinese foreign direct investment in PNG had quadrupled to more than $320 million.
That is higher than Chinese capital investment in either New Zealand or Fiji that year.
But it is just a fraction of the almost $10 billion invested in Australia in 2010.
Graeme Smith, from the University of Sydney, played down a suggestion that growing Chinese investment in PNG is part of a broader strategy to extend China's political and economic influence in the Pacific.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516405.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Please note
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-------------------------------
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-------------------------------
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This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
-------------------------------
China a better Pacific friend than US: Samoa PM
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:47:00 +1000
Samoa's Prime Minister says China is a truer friend of Pacific countries than the United States.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele says that China is more flexible in its aid and has proven itself willing to forgive debt.
Samoa is celebrating its golden jubilee of independence from New Zealand.
Many of the largest buildings in the Samoan capital, Apia, were built by Chinese companies and funded with soft loans from China.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa says it is the sort of help it cannot get from its traditional partners.
"We brought the Chinese in," he told Australia Network's Pacific correspondent, Sean Dorney.
"We asked them to come and fill in the gap that New Zealand and Australia cannot do for us."
Prime Minister Tuilaepa accuses the United States of a lack of interest in the South Pacific.
"You (the US) are only interested in areas where fighting, wars are fought.
"And I know why. So it will help your industries, your war machines. But you're not interested in the Pacific because it is peaceful."
Celebration of stability
Samoa's Prime Minister says his country - which is this week celebrating 50 years of independence from New Zealand - has worked hard to maintain stability.
The Prime Minister has been in power for 14 years and his Human Rights Protection Party has governed for most of the past 30 years.
He says stability has grown since the early days of independence.
"It was not easy for them," he said of the early leaders.
"For one thing, you need to have monies to run the government and to impose tax.
"(That) was something completely new to our people, to impose duty.
"Self-sacrifice was not yet absolved and accepted in full, so they had to move very carefully not to alienate the people at the same time."
Meanwhile, Samoa will release 35 prisoners from jail, saying they will be pardoned as part of its independence celebrations.
Head of state Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi announced the pardon to the thousands who gathered at Parliament to mark the jubilee.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3515757.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
'Squatter' politicians stop Vanuatu classes
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:12:00 +1000
Parents on Tanna island, in Vanuatu, have urged the education minister to remove politicians from Lenakel secondary school.
Political parties traditionally use school facilities to run their congresses, families say.
The parents said children are yet to enter classrooms and dormitory for the start of the current term because politicians are still occupying them.
They said they have paid school fees and their children are missing out on their education.
During a talkback segment on local radio, parents urged Marcelino Pepite and the the prime minister, Sato Kilman, to remove the politicians from the school where they have been conducting a party congress.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516420.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Solomon Islands gripped by soccer fever
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:59:00 +1000
Solomon Islands' host-nation status has been tipped as the biggest threat to New Zealand in the Oceania Football Confederation Nation's Cup over the next 10 days.
The soccer tournament, the second round of the OFC qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is now under way.
Samoa first took on Tahiti Nui in Honiara - to be trounced 10-1 - followed by New Caledonia's 5-2 win over Vanuatu.
New Zealand is favourite to win, but Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu are well-placed to put pressure on the Kiwi side.
Former NZ international Wynton Rufer, Oceania's player of the century, said of the Solomon Islands fans: "Football is the number one sport. They are really passionate about the game and they do have some outstanding individuals.
"There will be a packed stadium every time Solomon Islands plays.
"That's home advantage - that's a big bonus, and I think it will be really difficult to get past Solomon Islands and it'll even be tough for New Zealand."
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516299.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
All Blacks spread the fame and the profits
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:21:00 +1000
The New Zealand Rugby Union is hoping to cash in on the value of the All Blacks brand by renaming two of the other national teams.
New Zealand Maori and the national men's sevens team will in future be known as the Maori All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens.
The logos on their jerseys will be changed to incorporate the All Blacks name.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew says the changes will appeal to potential international sponsors.
The changes take effect for the next International Rugby Board sevens circuit and for the Maori team on their end-of-year tour in the northern hemisphere.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516427.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Tobacco firm worried by Solomons law
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:51:00 +1000
The Solomon Island Tobacco Company says it might have to close its factory if government officials do not talk to it about the impact of new tobacco regulations.
The Tobacco Control Act 2010 came into effect on Friday.
Tobacco Company general manager, George Panao, says if the regulations are enforced it will mean closing the factory until it can legally comply.
He says the factory provides for 150 families and provides $US17 million in government revenue.
But opposition leader Derek Sikua congratulated the Minister for Health, Charles Sigoto, for advancing the cause of a tobacco-free Solomon Islands.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516401.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
No concern in China's PNG funding, says academic
Last Updated: Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:59:00 +1000
A specialist on China says Chinese investment in Papua New Guinea will continue to grow - but from a relatively low base and not in a systematic fashion.
It has been reported that over the five years to the end of 2010, Chinese foreign direct investment in PNG had quadrupled to more than $320 million.
That is higher than Chinese capital investment in either New Zealand or Fiji that year.
But it is just a fraction of the almost $10 billion invested in Australia in 2010.
Graeme Smith, from the University of Sydney, played down a suggestion that growing Chinese investment in PNG is part of a broader strategy to extend China's political and economic influence in the Pacific.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201206/3516405.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Please note
Some items above may have appeared in recent emails. This is because the story has been updated and contains additional information, for example, a program's transcript.
-------------------------------
How do I Unsubscribe?
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This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Radio Australia News - Pacific News Email - Thursday
Pacific News Email for Thursday, 31 May 2012
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Questions over government spending in PNG gas fields
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:33:00 +1000
Landowners and management of Papua New Guinea's biggest gas project have called on the PNG government to improve the delivery its commitments to people living in the project area.
Much of the trouble between landowners and Esso Highlands - the company managing the $16 billion PNG LNG project - has been caused by government failures in the delivery of business development grants and infrastructure.
Esso Highlands managing director Peter Graham says there need to be proper processes and a very clear rule that money is not handed out in cash.
"If that single thing was changed we could see a transformation of the way government delivers those infrastructure projects," he said. "It is unlikely, in my view, that we will see good use of money on the ground.'
Landowners say the government formed after next month's elections must live up to commitments made in the benefits-sharing agreements.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201205/3515411.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Samoa gears up for 50th Independence Day celebrations
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:43:00 +1000
The people of Samoa are preparing to celebrate their nation's 50th anniversary of independence.
Foreign dignitaries are travelling to Samoa for Friday's Jubilee celebrations.
Cultural and sporting events will be held in the capital, Apia, along with a concert by the British band UB40.
Thousands of people will line line the streets for the arrival of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, to mark the raising of the Samoan flag on June 1, 1962.
Australia's parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, Richard Marles, is heading to Samoa for the celebrations.
"it's a significant moment not just in Samoan history, but in Pacific history because this is the first country in the Pacific to celebrate its independence. So, this 50th anniversary of Samoan independence in 1962 i think is a moment to take stock and to look at the whole Pacific and it will be a very significant gathering of the whole Pacific family."
One of the organisations taking part is the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Program or SPREP which has been based in Samoa, and celebrates its twentieth anniversary in the same week.
"It's quite an achievement, and we're very happy to be celebrating along with Samoa during this week," SPREP director David Sheppard said in an interview with Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201205/3515161.htm?desktop
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PNG MPs back on campaign trail
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:14:00 +1000
Members of parliament from Papua New Guinea are back on the campaign trail after several days of political turmoil over the country's leadership.
Peter O'Neill has again been sworn in as the country's prime minister after being elected unopposed by a vote of 56 to none.
It's the third time he's been sworn in as the prime minister.
Australia is closely monitoring developments ahead of the election scheduled to take place on June the 23rd.
Australia's Parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, Richard Marles, says there's no reason why the election won't proceed.
"The PNG Government have made the very important decision to hold elections on time and in accordance with the Constitution," he said. "The writs were issued in relation to that a couple of weeks ago, and in all that has transpired over the past few weeks and indeed over the past few days. Everybody has been consistent in saying that the elections must be held on time."
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201205/3515390.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
Australia confident of timely elections in PNG
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:56:00 +1000
The Australian Government says it is concentrating on providing all the support it can to Papua New Guinea to ensure elections are held on time .
PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill says elections next month will not be disrupted by recent political turmoil that engulfed the country over the past few days.
Mr O'Neill has again been sworn in to office after being elected unopposed, during a vote in Parliament House on Wednesday.
Australian parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs Richard Marles says despite the recent challenges to its government, PNG has given a commitment to proceed with the June 23rd poll.
"You know, we have made it clear that we think that the Constitution has been put under strain in PNG but the way through this was always to have elections in accordance with the Constitution and on time, and that's what PNG is doing. Our foreign minister (Bob Carr) yesterday said that should be an enormous source of pride to PNG, and I know that it is," Mr Marles said.
He believes next month's elections are likely to go ahead. "The PNG Government have made the very important decision to hold elections on time and in accordance with the Constitution, and the writs were issued in relation to that a couple of weeks ago. In all that has transpired over the past few weeks and indeed over the past few days. Everybody has been consistent in saying that the elections must be held on time."
To view this story on our website, visit:
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-------------------------------
Solomons PM keeps whaling off Tokyo agenda
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:29:00 +1000
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says he did not raise the issue of whaling during talks with Japanese prime minister Yoshihiko Noda.
Before he left for the Pacific leaders' meeting in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, the prime minister indicated some support for scientific whaling.
Solomon Islands previously supported scientific whaling, with the nation adopting a neutral stance under the previous government to avoid offending donor countries like Japan.
At the meeting, Japan pledged up to half a billion dollars in Pacific aid.
On his return from Tokyo, Mr Lilo became angry at reporters when pressed on the topic.
"It wasn't an issue that was discussed by prime minister Noda, nor was it an issue between myself and (Australian parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs) Richard Marles," he said, adding that he thought the media had been "so irresponsible in their reporting" of the whaling issue.
To view this story on our website, visit:
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-------------------------------
Parent of NZ triplets say 'no blame' over Qatar fire
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:26:00 +1000
The parents of New Zealand triplets who died in a shopping centre fire in Doha have spoken of their loss.
The father, Martin Weekes, said: "This tragedy was an accident . . . There is no blame." But arrest warrants have been issued over the blaze.
Nineteen people, including 13 children, died when fire engulfed the Villaggio shopping mall in Doha.
Most of the victims were found inside a child care centre, including two-year-old New Zealanders Lillie, Willsher and Jackson Weekes.
Martin Weekes told TVNZ people would flock around his triplets everywhere they travelled.
Very special
"We were a family that went everywhere, we travelled the world like Kiwis, as a family, the five of us," Mr Weekes said.
"Everywhere we went they all just flocked around the kids, they made everyone happy, wherever they went people would come up in the street and want to be with them, be photographed with them, play with them. They were very special children."
Fire authorities said they found most of the 13 youngsters huddled in the arms of two firefighters who also died in the rescue bid.
Mr Weekes says he hopes the lessons from the fire will prevent future tragedies.
"This tragedy was an accident, and we as a family, and I think the other families want to understand what happened," he said.
"There is no blame, this is just something that is tragic and it's not this country that did it, it's not the people that did it, it's a horrible thing that happened."
Arrests ordered
Qatar's official news agency says Attorney-General Ali bin Futeis Al-Murri "ordered the arrest of the Villagio mall owner . . . its manager and its deputy manager" in the wake of the tragedy.
It said that arrest warrants had also been issued for the mall's deputy director of security and for the owner of the Gympanzee nursery, where the children and teachers died.
Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragedy amid mounting allegations of negligence.
So far, no official statement on the cause of the fire has been released.
Hundreds of Qatari citizens and expatriate residents joined a candlelit vigil in Aspire park near the partially destroyed Villagio late on Tuesday.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201205/3515022.htm?desktop
-------------------------------
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This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
-------------------------------
Questions over government spending in PNG gas fields
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:33:00 +1000
Landowners and management of Papua New Guinea's biggest gas project have called on the PNG government to improve the delivery its commitments to people living in the project area.
Much of the trouble between landowners and Esso Highlands - the company managing the $16 billion PNG LNG project - has been caused by government failures in the delivery of business development grants and infrastructure.
Esso Highlands managing director Peter Graham says there need to be proper processes and a very clear rule that money is not handed out in cash.
"If that single thing was changed we could see a transformation of the way government delivers those infrastructure projects," he said. "It is unlikely, in my view, that we will see good use of money on the ground.'
Landowners say the government formed after next month's elections must live up to commitments made in the benefits-sharing agreements.
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Samoa gears up for 50th Independence Day celebrations
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:43:00 +1000
The people of Samoa are preparing to celebrate their nation's 50th anniversary of independence.
Foreign dignitaries are travelling to Samoa for Friday's Jubilee celebrations.
Cultural and sporting events will be held in the capital, Apia, along with a concert by the British band UB40.
Thousands of people will line line the streets for the arrival of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, to mark the raising of the Samoan flag on June 1, 1962.
Australia's parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, Richard Marles, is heading to Samoa for the celebrations.
"it's a significant moment not just in Samoan history, but in Pacific history because this is the first country in the Pacific to celebrate its independence. So, this 50th anniversary of Samoan independence in 1962 i think is a moment to take stock and to look at the whole Pacific and it will be a very significant gathering of the whole Pacific family."
One of the organisations taking part is the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Program or SPREP which has been based in Samoa, and celebrates its twentieth anniversary in the same week.
"It's quite an achievement, and we're very happy to be celebrating along with Samoa during this week," SPREP director David Sheppard said in an interview with Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program.
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PNG MPs back on campaign trail
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:14:00 +1000
Members of parliament from Papua New Guinea are back on the campaign trail after several days of political turmoil over the country's leadership.
Peter O'Neill has again been sworn in as the country's prime minister after being elected unopposed by a vote of 56 to none.
It's the third time he's been sworn in as the prime minister.
Australia is closely monitoring developments ahead of the election scheduled to take place on June the 23rd.
Australia's Parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, Richard Marles, says there's no reason why the election won't proceed.
"The PNG Government have made the very important decision to hold elections on time and in accordance with the Constitution," he said. "The writs were issued in relation to that a couple of weeks ago, and in all that has transpired over the past few weeks and indeed over the past few days. Everybody has been consistent in saying that the elections must be held on time."
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Australia confident of timely elections in PNG
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:56:00 +1000
The Australian Government says it is concentrating on providing all the support it can to Papua New Guinea to ensure elections are held on time .
PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill says elections next month will not be disrupted by recent political turmoil that engulfed the country over the past few days.
Mr O'Neill has again been sworn in to office after being elected unopposed, during a vote in Parliament House on Wednesday.
Australian parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs Richard Marles says despite the recent challenges to its government, PNG has given a commitment to proceed with the June 23rd poll.
"You know, we have made it clear that we think that the Constitution has been put under strain in PNG but the way through this was always to have elections in accordance with the Constitution and on time, and that's what PNG is doing. Our foreign minister (Bob Carr) yesterday said that should be an enormous source of pride to PNG, and I know that it is," Mr Marles said.
He believes next month's elections are likely to go ahead. "The PNG Government have made the very important decision to hold elections on time and in accordance with the Constitution, and the writs were issued in relation to that a couple of weeks ago. In all that has transpired over the past few weeks and indeed over the past few days. Everybody has been consistent in saying that the elections must be held on time."
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Solomons PM keeps whaling off Tokyo agenda
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:29:00 +1000
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says he did not raise the issue of whaling during talks with Japanese prime minister Yoshihiko Noda.
Before he left for the Pacific leaders' meeting in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, the prime minister indicated some support for scientific whaling.
Solomon Islands previously supported scientific whaling, with the nation adopting a neutral stance under the previous government to avoid offending donor countries like Japan.
At the meeting, Japan pledged up to half a billion dollars in Pacific aid.
On his return from Tokyo, Mr Lilo became angry at reporters when pressed on the topic.
"It wasn't an issue that was discussed by prime minister Noda, nor was it an issue between myself and (Australian parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs) Richard Marles," he said, adding that he thought the media had been "so irresponsible in their reporting" of the whaling issue.
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Parent of NZ triplets say 'no blame' over Qatar fire
Last Updated: Thu, 31 May 2012 09:26:00 +1000
The parents of New Zealand triplets who died in a shopping centre fire in Doha have spoken of their loss.
The father, Martin Weekes, said: "This tragedy was an accident . . . There is no blame." But arrest warrants have been issued over the blaze.
Nineteen people, including 13 children, died when fire engulfed the Villaggio shopping mall in Doha.
Most of the victims were found inside a child care centre, including two-year-old New Zealanders Lillie, Willsher and Jackson Weekes.
Martin Weekes told TVNZ people would flock around his triplets everywhere they travelled.
Very special
"We were a family that went everywhere, we travelled the world like Kiwis, as a family, the five of us," Mr Weekes said.
"Everywhere we went they all just flocked around the kids, they made everyone happy, wherever they went people would come up in the street and want to be with them, be photographed with them, play with them. They were very special children."
Fire authorities said they found most of the 13 youngsters huddled in the arms of two firefighters who also died in the rescue bid.
Mr Weekes says he hopes the lessons from the fire will prevent future tragedies.
"This tragedy was an accident, and we as a family, and I think the other families want to understand what happened," he said.
"There is no blame, this is just something that is tragic and it's not this country that did it, it's not the people that did it, it's a horrible thing that happened."
Arrests ordered
Qatar's official news agency says Attorney-General Ali bin Futeis Al-Murri "ordered the arrest of the Villagio mall owner . . . its manager and its deputy manager" in the wake of the tragedy.
It said that arrest warrants had also been issued for the mall's deputy director of security and for the owner of the Gympanzee nursery, where the children and teachers died.
Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragedy amid mounting allegations of negligence.
So far, no official statement on the cause of the fire has been released.
Hundreds of Qatari citizens and expatriate residents joined a candlelit vigil in Aspire park near the partially destroyed Villagio late on Tuesday.
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