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HONIARA, Solomon Islands (SIBC, May 30) – The Parliamentary Opposition has reiterated its earlier call for the repatriation of suspended Attorney General, Julian Moti to Australia to clear his name from the child sex charges.

Opposition leader Fred Fono says the Government must allow Mr Moti to be repatriated because he remains a stumbling block in the attempts to normalize diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Mr Fono congratulates Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for recently allowing the Australian High Commissioner, Peter Hooton to formalize his posting.

However, Mr Fono says Mr Moti needs to clear his name before he can be reinstated as Attorney General.

Mr Fono says the Government must surrender Mr Moti to allow the country to move forward with the rebuilding process.

"I made the call following the offer by the Australian Foreign Minister or the government in Canberra inviting Solomon Islands Government to send in a...

By Fili Sagapolutele

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (Samoa News, May 1) - The American Samoa Senate has requested that American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega withdraw a federal measure he introduced in the U.S. House seeking the Secretary of Interior to place three questions on the November 2008 ballot.

The questions are 1st) whether individuals who are born in American Samoa should become citizens of the United States; 2nd) whether Senators should be elected by the qualified electors from the respective counties; and 3rd) whether American Samoa should have its own Federal district court with limited jurisdiction.

The Senate's request is outlined in a Senate Resolution, signed by 17 senators, conveying its "strong opposition" to the proposal. The missing signature is Sen. Faiivae Galeai, who has been absent since the start of the Special Session due to health reasons.

Prior to the close of the First Session in March, Faiivae had argued that its up to...

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, May 2) – A new Commonwealth law prohibits recycling centers from shipping out of the Mariana Islands copper wire within 45 days of its purchase.

House Bill 15-200, which was offered by Rep. Ray Yumul, Ind.-Saipan, and 17 other lawmakers, became Public Law 15-55 on April 24.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he signed the bill because he believes it will help law enforcers to curb the rampant stealing of copper wire in the commonwealth.

However, he noted that the new law does not have a penalty provision for those who do not comply with the 45-day waiting period.

"I recommend that the Legislature consider amending the legislation to provide for such a penalty, which should assist us in its enforcement," he added.

According to lawmakers, the theft of copper and other wire has become a serious problem for residents and businesses in the CNMI.

"The thefts not only cause business owners and taxpayers financial loss but...

HAGATNA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, May 2) – Guam’s power agency lost US$1.74 million last fiscal year, according to an audit released yesterday by the Office of the Public Auditor.

The Guam Power Authority collected US$42 million more in Fiscal 2006 than during Fiscal 2005, but only because it was charging customers more for fuel, according to the audit.

The Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause is an adjustable rate that allows GPA to recover its fuel costs. It was last raised in February, and accounts for about 60 percent of customers' overall power bill, according to Pacific Daily News files.

The power agency collected US$247.3 million during Fiscal 2005 and US$289.3 million last fiscal year, the audit stated.

The audit also notes that GPA is owed US$34.7 million in delinquent power bills by other government of Guam agencies, including US$13.2 million by the school system, US$10.9 million for village streetlights, US$9.8 million by the water agency, and...