Australia, New Zealand, Samoa Stand Accused ; Human Rights Group Thanks President

Australia, New Zealand, Samoa Accused of Dividing Regional Trade Bloc
Radio Australia reports that a leading Pacific NGO says Australia and New Zealand are continuing to use bullying tactics in trade negotiations, and accuses Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni, of working with them to create a split among Pacific Island nations. The accusations are contained in the report 'Speaking Truth to Power', launched in Suva this morning by the Pacific Network on Globalisation.

The report comes as Pacific Island leaders prepare for their summit in Cairns where they are set to decide whether to go ahead with negotiations for the proposed PACER Plus trade agreement.

NZ Human Rights Group Thanks President
A Fiji Human Rights Group in New Zealand has written to the outgoing President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, thanking him for the service he has provided to Fiji and its people. Spokesperson Santa Maharaj said it is saddened to hear that he has taken his retirement so suddenly, however the group is pleased for his decision as he will get more time to spend with his family. Maharaj said Ratu Iloilo's return to Vuda will give the Vanua of Vuda the opportunity to serve him as their paramount chief.

Maharaj hopes that the incoming president will continue to see that the people of Muaniweni, Dawasamu and Dreketi who suffered during the May 19th coup will be compensated as a reconciliation process. -- Fiji Live.