Solomon Coup x 2 – Fiji Coup – Indonesian Quake – Exporters On Dollar – Cannabis Reform – Russia/US Summit – General
Pinochet
SOLOMON COUP: The foreign Minister Phil Goff has not ruled out sending police to the Solomon Islands. Goff says the
situation is calm in the islands at present. Mr Goff says NZ will have to seriously consider the situation before
committing police or army personnel. A team of officials from Australia and NZ are trying to facilitate a resolution to
the crisis. Alexander Downer says there isn’t a lot that can be done.
SOLOMON COUP: Phone lines remain cut to the Solomon Islands this morning. Rebels took the PM hostage yesterday and
raided a police armoury. At least 60 people have been killed in ethnic conflict on the island in recent months
FIJI COUP: There is a deadlock in negotiations in Fiji between rebel gunmen and the military. The Military have said
they want Speight to release his hostages. The coup leaders say they want power transferred immediately to the Great
Council of Chiefs and for them to make a decision.
INDONESIAN QUAKE: The Indonesian government has appealed for international assistance following a massive earthquake in
Sumatra. More than 58 people have been killed and over 500 injured. The US Geological Survey estimate the quake at 7.8
on the Richter scale, Indonesian scientists put it at 7.3%.
EXPORTERS ON DOLLAR: Exporters say the windfall from a lower dollar is not as great as people might think. Some
exporters say that the low dollar. The dollar has bounced back by a cent against the US Dollar over the weekend.
CANNABIS REFORM: A secondary school leader says the debate over marijuana is having a negative affect on students
cannabis use. He says students are assuming there will be reform of the law and that therefore using cannabis is not a
big deal.
RUSSIA US SUMMIT: The Russian President has suggested that Russia establish a joint Anti Ballistic Missile programme
with NATO and the US. He has suggested that defences be deployed near the rogue states that are considered a threat.
GENERAL PINOCHET: A Chilean Court has confirmed it will strip General Pinochet of immunity and that he will be able to
face trial for human rights abuses.