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Safety of asylum seekers in doubt as hostility against them rises

MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, August 4, 2013) – Refugee advocates are concerned for the safety of asylum seekers in Nauru after large-scale riots at the island's detention centre late last month.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed a deal with Nauru's president that will see asylum seekers who arrive by boat in Australia sent to Nauru to have their claims processed and possibly resettle there.

The deal, which is similar to the one struck recently with Papua New Guinea, comes just a fortnight after asylum seekers being held on Nauru rioted, causing $60 million in damage to the facilities.

The latest announcement is part of the Federal Government's plan to ensure no asylum seeker who arrives in Australia by boat will be resettled in Australia.

But refugee advocates say they are worried about hostility towards asylum seekers on Nauru.

Asylum Seeker Resource...

Heavy shaking creates fear but no evidence of tsunami

By Sophie Budvietas

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Aug. 3, 2013) – The five to 10 second long quake struck at 9.01am approximately 167 kilometres south-west of Apia.

A tsunami watch was issued via SMS throughout the country seconds after the quake, but was cancelled at 9.50am.

Lameko Talia, the Principle Officer of the Geosciences at the Meteorology Division said the earthquake fell within the Samoan region.

He said while a tsunami watch was issued there is no record of a tsunami ever being generated by a six to seven magnitude earthquake here in Samoa.

"That is why we issued a watch not a warning," he said. According to the Pacific Tsunami Watch Centre a watch is issued after an earthquake.

During this period reports on wave activity from tide-gauge stations are taken near the earthquake epicentre.

If the stations observe no tsunami activity, the tsunami watch is cancelled...

Behavioral Health Center has difficulty finding drugs to procure

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Marianas Variety Guam, August 5, 2013) – The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is experiencing difficulty in meeting its goal to maintain a three-month supply of scheduled drugs due to a continuing nationwide shortage of such medications.

In a status report submitted to the federal court, Behavioral Health Center Director Rey Vega said the department’s suppliers don’t have certain scheduled drugs in stock.

"The center has been closely monitoring the drugs inventory level," Vega reported to court.

"Our psychiatrists are advised and given a list of our drug inventory count weekly in an effort to provide them options when prescribing medications. There are alternative plans in place on those very difficult to procure," he added.

The list of drugs short in supply was not available at press time.

The United States continues to...

Arrests made after Pacific Partnership sailors lose valuables

By Bradford Theonomi

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, August 5, 2013) – The United States Navy members currently taking part in the Pacific Partnership 2013 program were reportedly robbed.

Reports from Gizo said some valuable items were stolen during the robbery.

When contacted to confirm the incident, Western Province provincial police commander (PPC) John Rover said the incident was unfortunate but prompt response has resulted in an arrest of two suspects.

Mr Rove said two suspects have been arrested and are in police custody while another suspect is on the run.

He explained that his officers received a report yesterday morning from navy officers, after which he ordered a prompt investigation to be carried out.

"Items stolen were recovered and have already been returned to the US navy.

"The two suspects are expected to face charges."

Mr Rove appealed...