Impunity Watch: Oceania

US Senate Panel OKs CNMI Federalization Bill

By Sarah C. LaBelle
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands - The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources endorsed the bill S. 2483 today.  S. 2483 incorporates H.R. 3079 and other House bills, and will federalize immigration in CNMI.  CNMI has controlled its own immigration laws since it became a US territory in the 1970s, and has been fighting the US on this bill since July.

Governor Benigno Fitial's press secretary, Charles Reyes Jr., said on Fitial's behalf, "If this bill is passed into law, the governor said it would be the most harmful federal legislation ever imposed on the commonwealth."  He added, "All of this suggests that when it comes to the CNMI, many powerful federal policymakers want to shoot first without aiming carefully and without asking any serious questions because, after all, the CNMI government and the CNMI people have no votes, no money, no friends, and certainly no influence in Washington, DC."

While the bill is highly unpopular in CNMI, it has strong support in the US.  The Department of the Interior has expressed its approval, and by extension, the approval of the Bush administration.  Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands) is one of the bill's sponsors. She said that opponents of the bill "fail to recognize the current system is flawed.  The bill will not only provide for CNMI representation in the US House of Representatives but also a more stable framework for CNMI."

Opposition to earlier versions of the bill hinged partly on the fact that it granted nonimmigrant status to qualified guest workers who had been in CNMI legally for five years, a provision which is not included in the current version.  Opponents also criticized the fact that CNMI does not have a seat in the US House of Representatives, while other US territories have non-voting delegate seats.  The new version addresses this concern as well, providing a delegate seat in the House for CNMI.

Not all in CNMI are against the bill.  Wendy Doromal, who helps guest workers improve their immigration status and used to be a teacher, says that "The CNMI government should stop resisting the inevitable and work with the federal government to improve the condition in the CNMI for residents and nonresidents alike."

For more information, please see:

Impunity Watch - Local Government Opposes Federalization of Immigration System - 19 July 2007

Impunity Watch - CNMI Clash With US Over Immigration Escalates - 09 August 2007

Impunity Watch - H.R. 3079 Debated in Saipan; S. 1634 to be Revised - 16 August 2007

Impunity Watch - CNMI Immigration Federalization Bill Redrafted - 13 September 2007

Marianas Variety - US Senate panel OKs federalization bill - 01 February 2008

Islands Business - Governor Fitial disappointed with US Senate panel's action - 01 February 2008

BRIEF: PNG Finance Inquiry Members Investigated

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - The National reports that the inquiry into the Finance Department is in doubt due to allegations of "nepotism, double-dipping, and other bad practices", according to the Performance Management Unit of the Prime Minister's office.

The National says that the report "highlighted the conduct of members of the secretariat of the inquiry, how much they earned, the wantoks [close friends and relatives] and mistresses they employed, and instances of drinking after the inquiry had adjourned."  The report also says that certain senior members of the inquiry leaked confidential documents and that people with vested interest in the inquiry were allowed to pursue those interests with abandon.  There are further allegations that there were episodes of drinking on inquiry premises and entertaining of mistresses there as well.

Although that particular team was sacked by Prime Minister Michael Somare in early January, report compiler Gerard Dogimab recommended that the inquiry be abandoned because its independence and integrity have been compromised.  No allegations against the commissioner himself have surfaced, and he is currently still on the inquiry, though his removal is possible if the commission continues.

For more information, please see:

The National - Probe shame - 31 January 2008

BRIEF: Reexamine family planning, says Khan

SUVA, Fiji -- In an effort to slow the Fiji population decline, the Fiji’s Council of Social Services has called for a reexamination of family planning policies.  They have expressed that the revision would be particularly important on the smaller islands where of the Pacific nation, where the population is flagging.  To combat this decline, Ratu Jolame Lewanavanua, the Lomaiviti Province Council Chairman, has called for a reduction in condom use. 

Fiji’s Council of Social Service’s executive director Hassan has said that this is a possible solution, but that further study of the problem is needed before a new direction should be taken.  "There should be a national conference to discuss population development. This is an issue that can be discussed by the National Council for Building a Better Fiji."

Dr Josiah Famuela, Fiji’s national advisor on Family Health, has said that telling people not to use condoms is not the solution to a flagging population.  He pointed out that condom use is essential for family planning and the prevention of STIs like HIV.  "Lack of knowledge about contraception use because if you look, or if someone takes a closer look at the family planning contraceptive use in the various districts, it hasn’t really increased markedly to account for that. And they are using condoms within reason for the fertility control."

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji advisor on Family Health rejects calls to stop condom use -- 29 January 2008

Fiji Times -- Revise population policy, Khan says -- 28 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Call for revision of family planning policies in Fiji -- 28 January 2008

BRIEF: Tonga Doesn't Care About Corruption Score

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga - Lopeti Senituli, the political advisor to prime minister Feleti Sevele, said that the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index is meaningless.  The Index includes Tonga in its top ten countries perceived as corrupt, a ranking Senituli feels is unfair.

Radio New Zealand International reports that Senituli said, "We could very well be ranked as the most corrupt country in the world but it has no meaning because the report that they produced has not pointed to where exactly the corruption is and as such, if their purpose was to help us fight corruption, then they've done us a great disservice because they have not pointed out exactly where the corruption is."

Senituli has also said that the author of anonymous emails alleging government corruption should come forward if they want to be taken seriously.  The emails have been circulating in Tonga and abroad for months, alleging corruption by the prime minister and his cabinet.  The minister for tourism, Fineasi Funaki, is currently undergoing a corruption probe amidst calls from the pro-democracy movement for him to step down.  Sevele has said that those calling for Funaki to step down are being hypocritical and that the proper procedures must be followed.

For more information, please see:

Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index - 26 September 2007

Impunity Watch - Tongan Government Silent on Corruption Allegation - 14 January 2008

Radio Australia - PM challenges email writer to come forward - 28 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International - Tongan government spokesman says high ranking as a corrupt country is meaningless - 29 January 2008

BRIEF: Solomons Wants RAMSI to Stay

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - Prime Minister Derek Sikua said that he would like the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to remain in the Solomons until peace and order can be maintained without RAMSI support, though the country is "fairly settled" at this point.

Sikua said, "I've assured [New Zealand] prime minister [Helen Clark] that my government can be trusted with RAMSI, but we would like to make RAMSI work for the long-term benefit of the Solomon Islands and its people."

Sikua has also said that the Solomons needs the support of Australia and New Zealand to accomplish this goal, among others.  During Sikua's visit to Australia, prime minister Kevin Rudd seemed amenable to having a close working relationship with the Solomons, and New Zealand's Clark seemed equally supportive.

For more information, please see:

Radio New Zealand International - Australia and New Zealand support needed to deliver reform, says Solomons PM - 25 January 2008

Solomons Times - Australia Commits to Close Working Relationship with Solomons - 28 January 2008

Islands Business (AP) - Country wants regional security force to stay, prime minister says - 28 January 2008

Temaru Charges Estrosi With Illegal Influence of Election

By Sarah C. LaBelle
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

Please note that French Polynesia is a French overseas dependency.

PAPE'ETE, French Polynesia - The Temaru coalition announced this week that they intend to charge French overseas minister Christian Estrosi with attempted illegal influence of the snap general elections that are to begin on Sunday.  Temaru's Union for Democracy (UPLD) is the current ruling party in French Polynesia.  Temaru is pro-independence.

While Estrosi was in French Polynesia in December to sign a deal to fund the sewage system for Pape'ete, he met with some of the leading oppositon politicians.  He also visited the Marquesas islands, where some politicians called to split the territory and create a new French dependency.  When Estrosi did not reject the idea, Temaru organized a protest march.

UPLD Secretary General Antony Géros told local media, "Pursuant to the electoral code, we are expecting proper investigations to be carried out to establish the wrongful situation in which Mr. Estrosi has placed himself with regards to the electoral code and also the penal code."

Temaru added later, "These are practices from another age.  It's also the first time we have had to lodge a complaint against a minister of the [French] state [...] Mr. Estrosi shouldn't believe he is above the law."  He said further, "To cast doubt on my government's capacity to lead this country is tantamount to influence voters to not vote for the list that I lead."

Meanwhile, some French politicians have become increasingly critical of the situation in French Polynesia.  Jean-Christophe Lagarde, spokesman for the New Centre party on overseas matters, said that French Polynesian voters need to get rid of "the Flosse-Temaru system".  He told French Overseas Network, "These two persons have taken French Polynesia hostage for over 25 years.  If French Polynesia doesn't move forward, they are jointly responsible for it."  The New Centre party supports Gaston Tong Sang, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in September 2007.

Not all French politicians are against Temaru, however -- Ségolène Royal, the Socialist candidate in France's last presidential election, has written Temaru a letter expressing her support.

For more information, please see:

Tahiti Presse - Temaru coalition announces it's taking French official to court - 23 January 2008

Tahiti Presse - French Socialist gives last-minute election support to Temaru - 24 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International - French Polynesia's Temaru lodges complaint for French election interference - 24 January 2008

Pacific Magazine (Oceania Flash) - Temaru Party Charges French "Interference" - 24 January 2008

Fiji Police Detains TV Crew for Five Hours

by Ryan Maness
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

NASINU Fiji -- A Fiji TV crew was detained for five hours by police officials outside Rishikul Sanatan College after not dispersing as they had been ordered to by the officers on Wednesday.  The crew had been dispatched to the scene to cover a dispute between ousted principal Mahendra Pal and the management of the school.  Pal had been locked out of premises and the Fiji Ministry of Education, who supported Pal, were working with the police to have him reinstated.  The camera crew had been invited to the school by members of the school's management.

The twenty police officers on the scene, who were led by Superintendent Waisea Tabakau of the Valelevu Police Station, ordered the crew to disperse because "they were disturbing police activity."  When they did not comply two members of the crew, Emily Moli and Shalendra Datt, were ordered into a police van and taken to the Valelevu police station. 

Tanya Waqanika, the Fiji TV station legal manager, described the situation as unacceptable, saying, "The freedom of the media should never be really undermined. To be denied media freedom and access by journalist and reporters was unjustifiable. We’ll be bringing this to the attention of the Fiji police commissioner and also to the Fiji Media Council."

Police Commissioner Teleni has defended the actions of the police officers, saying that the officers needed to maintain the safety of the students and teachers during a tense situation.  He went onto say that, "[the police action] actions were right and within the law and I support his actions yesterday." 

As of this writing no charges have been filed against the television crew. 

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji TV defends reporting practice following police intervention -- 24 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji human rights commissioner shocked over police action against Fiji TV team -- 24 January 2008

Fiji Times -- Teleni backs TV crew detention -- 25 January 2008

Fiji times -- 'We were denied media freedom' -- 24 January 2008

Pacific Magazine -- Police Condemned for Detaining TV Journalists -- 24 January 2008

BRIEF: Solomons Declares Moti Prohibited Immigrant; Mends Relations With Australia

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - On Wednesday, Solomons Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua said that for the duration of his government's power, Julian Moti would not be welcome in the Solomon Islands.  There had been questions directed to the prime minister regarding allowing Moti back into the country if his name was cleared in Australia.

Also on Wednesday, Sikua met with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as part of his fence-mending tour of the region.  On his meeting with Rudd, Sikua said, "Mr. Rudd has thanked us for moving quickly with the deportation of Moti to Australia to face the charges that he has been charged with and we hope that now [...] the courts can decide the issue."  He added, "I believe that we have turned a new page in our bilateral relations with Australia in that our relations have been mended."

For more information, please see:

Solomon Times - Solomons Government Declares Moti Prohibited Immigrant - 23 January 2008

Sydney Morning Herald - Rudd thanks Solomons PM Sikua over Moti - 23 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International - Solomon Islands leader holds talks with Australia's prime minister - 23 January 2008

Scoop.co.nz - PM Sikua meets Australian counterpart - 25 January 2008

For more on the Moti affair, please see the Impunity Watch articles on Moti's appointment as attorney general for the Solomons, PNG government involvement in Moti's escape, the Vanuatu case status, Australia's extradition attempt and the missing PNG inquiry report .  The recently-elected Solomon Islands government gave Moti up and he did not win his last attempt to stay his extradition.  He was arrested at the Brisbane airport at the end of December after being forced onto a plane in the Solomons.  Moti is currently on bail with committal set for 15 February.

BRIEF: Interim Government to Reexamine Role of the Military

SUVA, Fiji -- At the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for Building a Better Fiji, interim Prime Minister Bainimarama said that a working committee should be organized to determine the appropriate role of security forces in Fiji.  Since 2006 coup the military and police have been united under one consolidated body, with the merger raising human rights concerns internationally.  The interim Prime Minister says that his call for an investigation was inspired by the fact that the new People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress (formerly known as the People's Charter) had made no mention of the role of security forces. 

The technical and support secretariat director John Samy has welcomed the interim Prime Minister's comments.  "Next week, when the national task teams meet for the first time, they will discuss this and other related matters in more detail, including the terms of reference for the working group."  Samy did not comment on a possible downsizing of the military. 

The reexamination of the role of the military is one of a number of initiatives that Fiji is undergoing in an effort to reduce the "coup culture" that Bainimarama has often spoken of.  The interim government announced that it hopes that the People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress process will be finished within the next ten months. 

For more information, please see:
FijiVillage.com -- Timeline Set for Charter Process -- 23 January 2008

Fiji Times -- Group to look at military role -- 22 January 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji interim PM seeks review of the role of the military -- 17 January 2008

BRIEF: Police to Pull Out of Arawa

Bougainville is an autonomous province in Papua New Guinea.  It unsuccessfully declared independence in both 1975 and 1990, which led to armed conflict with the Papua New Guinea government until the New Zealand-brokered peace agreements in 2000.  The peace agreements established the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Relationships between police and residents of Arawa soured last December following an automobile accident when an off-duty police officer driving a private vehicle ran off the road, killing a passenger.

ARAWA, Papua New Guinea - Bougainville police chief Peter Nassatt has made the decision to shut down the Arawa police station and pull the policemen out of the township, saying that he can no longer guarantee their personal safety.  Police in Bougainville are unarmed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and are not allowed to carry arms in public.

The event spurring this decision is that armed civilians seized a police operations vehicle and requests for its return have been ignored.  Nassatt apologized to the citizens of Arawa for his decision, but maintains that the law and order situation cannot be controlled.

This move will likely hinder the attempts of the Autonomous Bougainville Government to move its headquarters to Arawa, which was formerly the hub of the copper-mine community.

For more information, please see:

Post-Courier - Police to pull out of Arawa - 21 January 2008

Pacific Magazine - Police To Pull Out Of Arawa - 21 January 2008

Islands Business - Bougainville Police to pull out of Arawa - 21 January 2008