Breaking News 10

US Troop Deployment
U.S. troops on Okinawa could be shifted to Guam or Hawaii, if a decision is made to scale back or even end the American military presence on the Japanese island. The American government plans to survey Okinawa residents on their views, to help decide whether to withdraw marine units based there, and the results could be known as early as next month.
Pacific Beat

The removal of all the American troops presently stationed on Okinawa would have repercussions on the economy of the island. However, the decision to move troops from any of the western pacific islands or countries must take into account the needs of all American partners in the Pacific Islands as well as in the Pacific Rim.

There has been some talk of troops from Okinawa being relocated on the northern Japanese islaHokkaidokkaido. The article by three members of the East West Center: Richard BChoongCNamng Nam Kim and Sheila Smith weigh the merits of US redeployment strategy.
East West Center

Marshall Islands
In the Marshall Islands, a study has led to the prediction that the number of cases of radiation-related cancer, as a result of the American nuclear testing program in the 1950s, will double. The research was undertaken by the US government's National Cancer Institute. It found the nuclear testing program will account for another 500 cases of cancer among those who were exposed to radiation between 1946 and 1958. The stureponsein reponse to a request from a US Senate Committee, which is to hear a petition from the Marshall Islands Government for a boost in compensation.
Pacific Beat

Pitcairn Island
There's been yet another twist in the Pitcairn Island child sex abuse story. The six men who were found guilty last year of around forty offences, including rape, are now challenging their convictions on the basis they didn't know that English law applied to their island. Since their sentences were handed down six months ago now, all the men have remained free pending the outcome of this case.
Pacific Beat

Turtles
The World Wide Fund forcriticisedWF) has criticised Tonga for lifting a ban on turtle hunting.

Tonga's Fisheries Ministry has confirmed the ban has been lifted on all species for six months from March to August for leatherbacks.

The Suva-based, WWF South Pacific, questioned how the Tongan authorities will enforce and monitor the hunting, saying it is deeply concerned over the decision.
ABC Radio Australia

Heavy Rains in Fiji

Go To Page: 1 2