PINA

The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) has been extended by one day, until Friday 1 March, in order to facilitate outcomes on the main issues at stake. Following the consultations by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with the MC13 Chair, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and the Minister Facilitators, delegations were informed that MC13 will be extended, with the closing...

Vanuatu's Referendum Act, CAP 297 of 2006, has never been implemented since its development. In 2023, Parliament introduced proposed amendments to the Constitution, including Article 17 and the insertion of Articles 17A and 17B, requiring a national referendum as per Article 86 of the Constitution. According to the article 86 of the Constitution, a national referendum is required if a constitutional...

The French Senate on Tuesday voted by a large majority (307 in favour and 34 against) the postponement of New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections later this year. This takes the shape of an “organic law” effectively changing the timeframe for New Caledonia's elections for its three provinces from mid-May to “15 December at the latest”. Another related issue, that would this...

The Pacific nation of the Marshall Islands may formally seek an amendment of a U.N treaty banning nuclear weapons, before it considers acceding to it, its leader said Wednesday. President Hilda Heine told Kyodo News in an interview that if certain provisions in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are not changed, “cannot ratify the treaty.” Her remarks came ahead...

Australia should lift its aid budget by an extra $3 billion (US$1.9 million) over the next four years, as it can't afford to “lack credibility” on key issues such as climate change with its Indo-Pacific neighbours. Australian Council for International Development chief executive Marc Purcell called on the federal government to increase funding for aid by $648 million (US$421 million)...

Tuvalu has reaffirmed its recognition of Taiwan following an election last month that had triggered speculation the Pacific island country could sever ties and recognise Beijing. After choosing a prime minister earlier this week, Tuvalu’s new government on Wednesday released a statement of its domestic and international priorities. While reaffirming ties with Taiwan, the coral atoll nation of some 10,000...

Former Palau president Tommy Remengesau Jr has announced his candidacy for president on 24 February, outlining his vision for a “caring government” that prioritises the needs of the people. Remengesau, who served four terms as president, said he was motivated to run again by a petition signed by citizens urging him to return to office. He emphasized the importance of...

Palau’s Senate President Hokkons Baules and President Surangel Whipps Jr are at odds over a proposed Senate Joint Resolution prohibiting permanent stations for missile batteries in Palau, with accusations of foreign influence and differing interpretations of public sentiment fueling the debate. President Whipps, in the 09 February letter to U.S Senators, expressed concern that continued delay in implementing the signed...

Former Fiji military officer and Tailevu chief, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula was elected the Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) during their meeting in Pacific Harbour Wednesday. His term is for three years. Ratu Seruvakula, nominated by the Kubuna confederacy, received 27 votes while the other nominees for the post; Ratu Meli Saukuru of Burebasaga confederacy received 10 votes and...

By George J. Maelagi Solomon Islands-based fisheries researcher Jasmine Rahi’i has been involved in a unique project looking at traditional fishing methods used by Solomon Islanders to catch species of tropical eels. In this Q&A, TunaPacific contributor George Maelagi talks to Jasmine about her research and the insights it can yield to inform sustainable fishing of eels by Solomon Island communities. Tell...