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GOVERNANCE

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (January 7, 2002 - SIBC, Solomon Star/PINA Nius Online)---Australia said yesterday that it will give the new Solomon Islands Government "generous" support if it works to restore law and order and adopts responsible economic policies.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said if this happens Australia will also encourage other aid donors to provide help.

Mr. Downer was heading for Honiara with New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff for talks with the new Solomon Islands Government of Sir Allan Kemakeza today and tomorrow.

He said Sir Allan's government faces a difficult task rebuilding the economy following two years of ethnic conflict and the breakdown of law and order.

It needs to take urgent steps, he said.

Mr. Downer said Mr. Goff, who is traveling with him for the meetings, shares his concerns.

Mr. Downer said he believes the new government does recognize that it is leading a nation in...

EUROPEAN REPORTS

SUVA, Fiji Islands (January 7, 2002 - Fiji's Daily Post/PINA Nius Online)--A successful Fiji kava dealer has urged the Government to involve experts in testing local people to prove that kava alone cannot cause liver disorder, as claimed in Europe.

Kava dealers want the Government to clear the air on the issue quickly before the industry nosedives.

The withdrawal of kava pills by just three European companies is likely to cause over F$ 5 million (US$ 2,157,500) a year in lost foreign revenue.

Fiji and Vanuatu are two major exporters of kava to Europe and most of it is used for pharmaceutical purposes.

Ram Karan Kava Dealers Limited general manager Sunil Karan said that at least three European companies have withdrawn kava pills.

He said the Government should invite European scientists to carry out tests on local people, who consume more kava than those in Europe.

"Our agents informed us of the withdrawal last week,...

ISLANDS

By Edith G. Alejandro

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (January 5, 2002 – Saipan Tribune)---The Marianas Visitors Authority is seriously looking at the possibility of creating the Commonwealth’s own flag carrier, as it seeks the assistance of Honolulu-based Aloha Airlines to jumpstart the plan.

The MVA is in discussions with Aloha Airlines executives, with local tourism officials reviewing costs and other matters related to the plan.

MVA Board Chair Dave M. Sablan said the proposed flag carrier will initially service the Northern Marianas and later expand its operations to Guam, Palau, and other Pacific islands.

Sablan said the MVA has asked the assistance of Aloha Airlines executives in determining the needed capital to realize the plan as well as other requirements to establish the CNMI’s own flag carrier.

"We need to look after our own affairs. We have to make sure that our air service needs are met while ensuring that we are...

KOROR, Palau (January 8, 2002 - Palau Horizon/PINA Nius Online)---The governments of Palau and the United States are preparing to conclude an agreement regarding joint action in search and rescue missions.

The agreement was one of the subjects discussed by officials from both countries during a recent joint committee meeting held at the office of Palau's President Tommy Remengesau, Jr.

The meeting also touched on U.S. assistance with national security, health training, humanitarian assistance programs, U.S. military ship visits, and the review on the Compact of Free Association-funded road project.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers earlier said that the project is way behind schedule due to delays caused by bad weather.