ONE DEAD, SIX HOMES BURNED IN KIRIBATI DISPUTE

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Nov. 4) – Reports from Kiribati say a man has been killed and six houses burned down in a clash on the island of Butaritari.

Radio Kiribati says the violence erupted over a decision by the council of Temankunuea village that some people refused to accept.

No further details about the origin of the dispute are known but a 20-member police riot squad is on the scene.

Reports say the police fired warning shots in a bid to end the protests.

Church leaders as well as the secretary in the president’s office have flown to the island in a bid to calm the situation.

November 4, 2004

Radio New Zealand International: www.rnzi.com