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ROME, Italy (December 27, 2001 – Asia Pulse/Joyo Indonesian News/TAPOL)---The Indonesian province of Irian Jaya will send workers to study shipbuilding technology in Italy because it wants to develop its shipbuilding industry, according to a spokesman from the Indonesian embassy in Rome.

"The province wants to develop its shipbuilding industry because it has huge (economic) potential, particularly in Jayawijaya district," spokesman Al Busyra Basnur said.

A 17-member delegation from Jayawijaya visited Italy December 19-20 to conduct a comparative study and look for investors for the district's shipbuilding industry, he added.

"Italy has previously offered to buy ships from us, but for the time being, we still have to train people for that," head of the delegation, Dance Y. Flassy said.

Flassy added that he has also invited other districts in the province to participate in the Consultative Team for Papua Province's Autonomy Development (CONTPAD), to help...

By Vaudine England

JAKARTA, Indonesia (December 26, 2001 – South China Morning Post/Joyo Indonesian News/TAPOL)---President Megawati Sukarnoputri tried to put a brave face on her failure to celebrate Christmas with the indigenous Papuans of Irian Jaya province by sending a letter of apology to Governor Jaap Salossa.

While aides said her absence was due to a cold, analysts said it had more to do with the realization she might be unwelcome.

The unresolved murder of pro-independence leader Theys Eluay is aggravating already difficult relations between the province and the central Government.

Ms. Megawati's letter assured the predominantly Christian population of Irian Jaya that her soul would always be with them, even though she could not be with them physically.

Student demonstrations continued in the province, calling for a referendum on independence and for action against human rights abuses.

Instead of addressing those concerns, Ms....

SUVA, Fiji Islands (January 1, 2002 - Sun)---Reconciliation will not be easy. This needs the support and concern of every citizen if we are to succeed in building a country in which we can all live happily side by side.

Miss Sugar Crown Leeleshni Swamy was told this by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

Ms. Swamy attracted the PM’s attention for saying reconciliation and the future depended on all working together, regardless of race or religion during her crowning.

In a letter to Ms. Swamy, Mr. Qarase thanked her for helping champion the cause of reconciliation.

"As a young woman of Fiji with significant talents and abilities, you can exert a very positive influence on young people by speaking on this issue often and encouraging them to do the same among their friends and peers, their families and workmates.

"Fiji needs role models who, through their understanding and love of the universal values of tolerance and goodwill, can become a shining...

Bakeries Report High Demand For Holiday Sweets

By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (January 1, 2002 – Pacific Daily News)---The island's economy may have slowed, but people didn't hold back on buying baked sweets throughout the holidays, some island bakery owners said.

Today caps what they said has been a busy season of collectively churning out thousands of pies, cakes, cookies and other holiday treats every day beginning the week of Thanksgiving.

At Elite Bakery, Louella Villo said she was particularly surprised by a surge of customers the day before Christmas.

Villo, whose family owns Elite Bakery, said she expected that sales would slow because of a typhoon watch. But as soon as Guam's skies cleared, she said, people dashed out for last minute shopping for Christmas goodies at the Tamuning bakery.

The robust demand, despite a weakened economy, demonstrates, Villo said, that the spirit of the holiday celebration prevailed over...