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SUVA, Fiji Islands (April 3, 2002 – Radio Australia)---Fiji coup leader George Speight's right hand man, Ratu Timoci Silatolu, is relying on a Court of Appeal judgment to gain immunity from a charge of treason.

As Radio Australia correspondent Ofa Kaukimoce reports, the judgment last year upheld the 1997 constitution and has been used in all legal challenges arising out of the May 2000 coup.

"Ratu Timoci is Speight's henchman, who was appointed Prime Minister soon after the overthrow of the Labour government. He is now standing trial for treason along with former journalist Josefa Nata.

"The defense counsel argues that his client should be granted immunity under the decree that army commander Frank Bainimarama signed just before Speight released the hostages. The defense also submitted in the High Court that if the 1997 constitution was in place when the army commander signed the immunity decree, then his client is entitled to immunity.

"The defense...

JAKARTA, Indonesia (April 2, 2002 – The Jakarta Post – Kabar-Irian)---A commission set up by the government to investigate the mysterious death of Papuan Presidium Council leader Theys Hiyo Eluay said on Tuesday that it was ready to report the results of its investigation to President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

"The commission has concluded its investigation of the case and will soon report (the results) to the President," commission chairman Koesparmono Irsan said in the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura as quoted by Antara after briefing local officials on the commission's investigation.

Koesparmono, however, declined to reveal details of the investigation.

"We will also meet with the chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI) to arrange the schedule and venue for the trial of the case," he said.

He further said that the commission's report touched on the latest developments in the search for Theys' driver, Aristoteles Masoka.

Aristoteles, who...

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (April 3, 2002 - Solomon Star/PINA Nius Online)---Sacked Solomon Islands Finance Minister Michael Maina is reported to have sided with the Opposition as it prepares a vote of no confidence in Sir Allan Kemakeza's government.

Opposition Leader Patteson Oti said they have secured the support of nearly half the 50 Members of Parliament.

He said 21 MPs have already signed on to support the motion, including Mr. Maina, who was dismissed after devaluing the Solomons dollar 25%.

As lobbying intensified, Prime Minister Sir Allan said he has the numbers to survive and claimed an Opposition MP, Danny Bula, has now joined the government.

Mr. Oti said they submitted the motion to the Clerk of Parliament last week intending to move it at the end of the national budget debate.

He said the motion was not over the devaluation. But it was about the way the government is handling the most pressing issues, such as continuing law and order...

By Moresi Ruahma'a

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (April 4, 2002 – The National)---University of Papua New Guinea Vice Chancellor Professor Les Eastcott is being sued by students for "contempt of court."

The suit results from his allegedly defying a court order to register students, who were excluded from studies.

Yesterday, the students were at the Waigani National Court in Port Moresby to observe proceedings of the case. However, the case was referred to another judge, who will preside over it at a later date.

Final year law students sued Professor Eastcott after he allegedly failed to comply with a court order issued on March 22 by National Court Judge Ambeng Kandakasi.

The order called for the UPNG administration to reinstate 27 excluded final year law students to register and continue their studies.

For additional reports from The National, go to PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT News/Information Links: Newspapers/The National (Papua New Guinea...