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PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (March 30, 2002 - PINA Nius Online)---Papua New Guinea Defense Force Commander Peter Ilau has confirmed the prosecution of soldiers involved in the Moem Barracks mutiny is ready to proceed.

Brigadier General Ilau said he has signed a letter granting powers to legal officers to start the action.

The team looking into this is already in Wewak investigating the burning of buildings, seizure of the armory and vehicles, and chasing out of officers.

The 68 grenades that were missing have all been recovered and returned to the armory, the commander said.

The stock take is continuing. While 120 weapons remain missing they will all be recovered, as most of their whereabouts are known, he said.

However, there are public fears some weapons may not be recovered, as they may already have been smuggled out of the province.

The barracks were retaken and almost all mutineers arrested in a daylight raid by loyal soldiers while...

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (March 31, 2002 - Post-Courier/PINA Nius Online)---The Australian government has granted approval for Air Niugini to continue to operate its F28-4000 aircraft to Cairns for another two years.

This is despite Australia's introduction of noise level restrictions, which became effective a year ago and could have caused problems for the F28s.

Air Niugini chief executive Peter Roberts said the Australian government’s action will enable the airline to continue Port Moresby-Cairns services without change.

Air Niugini has also purchased two F-28 aircraft from the now-defunct Australian airline Flightwest.

The Post-Courier has been reliably informed that the two aircraft were purchased at AUD$ 500,000 (US$ 266,950) each although Mr. Roberts would neither confirm nor deny it. He would only say the figures are confidential but "they are a great buy."

Mr. Roberts said the two aircraft will replace two older F28-1000 aircraft...

FOR THIS MONTH

By John Ravelo

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (April 1, 2002 – Saipan Tribune)---The U.S. Navy’s disposition to continue with the bombing exercises on Farallon de Mendinilla despite a federal court order declaring such practice illegal became more apparent, as it disclosed extending the schedule of live fire training that was supposed to end last night.

The Emergency Management Office released a new advisory stating that the military would be conducting live fire training in April.

"Due to the danger imposed by this activity, the general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and tour operators, are advised to stay away from this location during the time and dates indicated," the advisory stated.

The military activity is slated from April 1 to 5, from 12:01am to 11:59 pm daily. It will resume on April 8 with the same daily time schedule, which will last until April 12.

The U.S. Navy was tight-lipped on the bombing...

By Edith G. Alejandro

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (April 1, 2002 – Saipan Tribune)---The Commonwealth Ports Authority has disclosed plans to create a task force that would promote and market Tinian as a tourist destination, in anticipation of the entry of direct international flights following completion of the West Tinian Airport project.

Board Chair Roman S. Palacios said the Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) is urging the island’s local government to consider appointing representatives from the private sector and the ports authority to complete the Tinian tourism task force.

Palacios explained that, in preparation for the completion of the airport project in September 2002, the Tinian local government is prioritizing the need to market the island as a casino and gaming destination.

He said the office of Mayor Francisco M. Borja has been identified to head up creation of the task force. Borja will also administer the appointment of members who...