Pacific – decolonisation
The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation has heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau.
PINA reports that the committee has heard from Pacific representatives, petitioners and administering powers debating the pace of self-determination and decolonisation in the territories.
The committee approved three draft resolutions aimed at strengthening UN support for the world’s remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.
These include measures promoting information-sharing, reporting obligations and visiting missions.
New Caledonia dominated much of the debate, with petitioners urging the UN to take a more active role in addressing the French territory’s political crisis and advancing its self-determination process.
New Zealand/Pacific – diplomacy
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand’s commitment to the region remains a top priority.
Winston Peters made the comment in a Parliamentary Select committee scrutiny hearing.
The recent budget saw a big boost in funding to his Ministry, with an extra hundred million dollars for foreign aid to the Pacific over three years.
Peters said small countries matter, and New Zealand takes the approach to treat Pacific countries as equals.
He noted the gap in the Pacific created by the US since it rapidly pulled back its international aid.
The minister said he has spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about revisiting this position.
Papua New Guinea – performance
Peter O’Neill, PNG’s previous prime minister, has given a scathing assessment of his successor.
This month, current Prime Minister James Marape released a performance review of his government’s seven years in power.
He said they have made a range of gains in public sectors and laid strong foundations for PNG’s future growth despite tough challenges.
But O’Neill, now an opposition MP, said when basic services have deteriorated as much as they have in PNG, this review is off the mark.
Papua New Guinea – relief
Prime Minister James Marape has announced K$5 million (around US$1.1m) in relief support after undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea.
Current reports indicate floating pumice rafts have affected coastal communities, blocking sea transport, disrupting fishing, and raising concerns over food and water supplies.
NBC PNG reported Marape saying the money would assist the Manus Provincial Government and disaster response teams to provide food, water, emergency supplies and logistics support.
He said the government response would also include technical assessments and scientific advice.
Solomon Islands – taxes
The Solomon Islands government has killed tax exemption agreements with the mining, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo said he has ordered the termination of memoranda of understanding relating to tax exemptions in those sectors.
Lilo, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014, admitted that he had signed a number of these agreements himself.
The finance ministry said this move ensures all tax exemptions comply with the law.
It comes after Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced the government would become the sole buyer and exporter of gold.
At the same time, pre-release arrangements at the Solomons’ ports are suspended, meaning all goods may only be released after the duties are paid or after a formal exemption order.
Pacific – conflict
The new chair of the Pacific Islands Forum says island countries remain highly vulnerable to conflict in other parts of the world.
Mathew Wale, who assumed the role after replacing Jeremiah Manele as Solomon Islands prime minister last month, has put out his first statement as chair
Wale has appealed for global peace and stability at a time of geopolitical volatility.
He said the Pacific is reliant on the resilience of global supply chains, and the stability of the rules-based international system
He added the region’s vision for the Blue Pacific Continent can only be realised in a world at peace.
Cook Islands – tributes
Tributes are coming in for the Cook Islands’ first-ever female deputy prime minister.
Cook Islands News reported Ngamau Mere Munokoa – known as ‘Aunty Mau’ – died in Auckland on 13 June.
Prime Minister Mark Brown said his memories of Aunty Mau stretched back to his own school days at Tereora College.
He said her continuous involvement in community, politics and traditional leadership is a testament to her longevity.
Ngamau Mere Munokoa represented the Nikao-Panama constituency for 22 years.
