Melanesia
Over 100 feared dead in Papua New Guinea ferry disaster
By Oliver Campbell, February 4, 2012
Lax safety standards and overcrowding appear to have contributed to the loss of life.
Flooding in Fiji kills seven, leaves thousands homeless
By Will Morrow, February 1, 2012
More than 3,500 people were forced to flee their homes last week to makeshift evacuation centres established in schools, military bases and government buildings.
Papua New Guinea: Dozens dead and missing in landslide
By Oliver Campbell, January 28, 2012
Local residents said blasting related to Exxon-Mobil’s nearby liquefied natural gas project may have contributed to the disaster.
Military mutiny in Papua New Guinea
By Patrick O’Connor, January 27, 2012
The unresolved constitutional crisis reflects the intensifying rivalry between the US and China that is fuelling instability throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Fijian military government announces end to emergency laws
By Will Morrow, January 6, 2012
The decision was cautiously welcomed by the US and Australia, signalling a possible rapprochement between the regional powers and the military junta.
PNG constitutional crisis: O’Neill consolidates as PM
By Zac Hambides, December 21, 2011
O’Neill now has the support of the state apparatus, including the military and police, and the governor general, in addition to his parliamentary majority.
Fijian junta imposes draconian anti-union laws
By Will Morrow, December 17, 2011
Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s military regime has deepened its assault on the working class, seeking to lure foreign investment.
PNG crisis eases as Australia hints at military intervention
By Zac Hambides, December 17, 2011
Canberra’s preoccupation with the events in PNG is driven by deep concerns about growing Chinese involvement in what it has regarded as “its backyard.”
Papua New Guinea locked in constitutional crisis
By Zac Hambides, December 15, 2011
The impasse in Port Moresby reflects the political volatility being created throughout the Asia-Pacific region by the Washington’s aggressive drive to counter Chinese influence.
Constitutional crisis erupts in Papua New Guinea
By Mike Head, November 19, 2011
Somare, Peter O’Neill, PNG, Gillard, mining, gas, nickel, China, Obama, United States
Papuan miners extend two-month strike
By Mike Head, November 17, 2011
Despite an Indonesian government-backed police ultimatum, the 8,000 striking miners are continuing to man the blockades that have brought production to a halt since September 15.
Papua New Guinea riots expose mounting social tensions
By Will Morrow, November 16, 2011
The violence is an expression of the extreme poverty that wracks the former Australian colony.
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