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EDITORIAL

The National Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

January 2, 2002

The matter of definite public importance this year is the Bougainville peace process, autonomy and the referendum on independence. Bougainville will have to be the Government's, and National Parliament's first priority when it tackles the question of autonomy during the special session of Parliament later this month.

As the Lincoln Agreement makes it clear -- and as the Government firmly believes -- the political question must be settled, but peace must come first. Peace has lasted during 2001. We must ensure that the province enjoys another peaceful year.

Based on what ministers, including new knight Sir Moi Avei, and officials have both heard and seen for themselves on the ground, the evidence is that the overwhelming majority of ordinary women, men and children in Bougainville agree that peace must prevail. They do so in both word and deed.

The continuing peace...

ELECTION BILL REQUESTED

By Fili Sagapolutele

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (December 28, 2001 – Samoa News)---The Speaker of the House, Matagi Ray Ma'ilo McMoore, believes primary elections for American Samoa's seat in the U.S. Congress and registration for overseas military warrant a full review and discussion by the Fono and the people of American Samoa.

On December 20th, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin introduced his proposed legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to require a local primary election when more than two candidates vie for the Territory's seat in the House.

If passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, Faleomavaega's bill will go into effect for the local 2004 general election.

The bill also seeks to allow active military members whose permanent residence is American Samoa to register at home to vote in a federal election without having to do so in person.

Faleomavaega said he will also be...

STRAY DOGS EVERYONE’S PROBLEM, SAYS COOK ISLANDS ANIMAL GROUP

By Tara Carr

AVARUA, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (December 20, 2001 – Cook Islands News)---Cook Islands Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CISPCA) president Nick Smith says he’s fed up with people who are all talk and no action when it comes to dealing with Rarotonga’s stray dog problem.

He was speaking out concerning a CINews story this week about tourist Richard McKinlay.

The 33 year-old Australian visitor was thrown from his moped after a pack of dogs rushed in front of him December 14th.

He received facial injuries when he fell head first onto the road.

"This is just another incident in years and years of frustration for tourists.

"There are a lot of issues relating to the excessive number of dogs on the island, which is why the CISPCA undertook the task of building a pound," says Smith.

"This is a serious issue affecting the tourists. And everyone...

APIA, Samoa (January 3, 2002 – Radio Australia)---Polynesian Airlines' new 737-800 jet has made a special trip to the American Samoa capital of Pago Pago to pick up stranded travelers heading to New Zealand.

The airline's local manager said the cancellation of inter-island flights over the weekend due to strong winds prevented large traveling groups headed for to New Zealand from making connecting flights to Apia.

Airline officials hoped to resume services today, but poor weather conditions continue to keep smaller aircraft out of the skies.

The special Pago Pago jet flight was a last minute change by Polynesian’s management to accommodate the stranded passengers, which included church groups and sports teams.

For additional reports from Radio Australia, go to PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT News/Information Links: Radio/TV News/Radio Australia.