Pacific news in brief for 12 August

PIF - Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to allow for its participation at next month's meeting.

In response to a request for comment from Channel News Asia, the ministry called on the forum to "maintain its existing arrangements" and allow Taiwan's participation in the upcoming PIF event as a "development partner".

Asked whether Taiwan's delegation would be allowed to go the Solomon Islands, the ministry declined to comment.

Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele has proposed that PIF leaders defer the annual dialogue partner meeting - with countries like the US and China- till next year's summit in Palau.

The ministry said it continues to seek cooperation with the PIF and its Pacific allies to contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.

Papua New Guinea - killing

A teacher in Papua New Guinea is in police custody after the killing of a male student at a high school in Milne Bay province.

Provincial police commander Benjamin Kua told the Post Courier the suspect allegedly torched the student's face and hit him over the head, before he fell unconscious and died.

Kua said it is alleged the teacher heard loud music in one of the dormitories, went to investigate and was chased by drunkards from a nearby village.

He later returned to the dormitory to question the prefects and attacked the victim.

Samoa - dengue

Schools in Samoa are closed for a third straight week due to the dengue fever outbreak.

Schools were first closed the week of 28 July with a fumigation campaign launched.

Education minister Ae'au Chris Hazelman said all schools would remain closed last week based on numbers provided by the Ministry of Health.

In a statement on Friday, Ae'au said the decision to close schools this week follows careful deliberations to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers and the wider community.

Five people have died in the Samoa dengue outbreak.

Solomon Islands - arrests

A police officer and correctional service officer have been arrested for illegal gambling.

Police say the officers were escorted to the station for further dealings.

Fifteen suspects were arrested as part of an operation against illegal activities - including arrests for illegal gambling, unlicensed vehicles, presence of alcohol, and resisting arrest.

Police are also calling for respect from the public, after a recent incident where officers were verbally abused and rocks thrown at the government vehicles.

Nauru - development

Nauru's foreign minister has signed an investment proposal with the China Rural Revitalisation and Development Corporation, worth around US$650 million.

The Nauru Government office said the proposal is the first of a three-phase plan, with each phase focusing on developing key sectors in Nauru.

These sectors include renewable energy, the phosphate industry, marine fisheries and sea infrastructure, modern agriculture systems, eco-tourism, and a green transport system.

A scoping team from the corporation is scheduled to arrive in Nauru in October, to engage with local stakeholders for the development of a road-map guideline.

Papua New Guinea - World War II

The United States Department of Defense is continuing work in Papua New Guinea to return prisoners who disappeared during World War II.

A statement from the US Embassy in PNG says around 3,300 Americans were either missing in action, or disappeared while prisoners of war.

The department and its predecessors have been conducting missions to locate and repatriate soldiers since 1978.

The most recent mission began last month and has involved meeting with local provincial and village leadership within Madang, Morobe, East New Britain and Oro.

This team is expected to conclude next month.