New FSM President Wesley Simina (right) with his vice-president Aren Palik Photo: FSM Govt
Micronesia - new president
The Federated States of Micronesia has sworn in its new leaders.
President Wesley Simina took his oath of office on Tuesday in Pohnpei.
Vice president Aren Palik, speaker Esmond Moses and the 23rd FSM Congress also took their oaths.
In his address, the president said unity is:"'our strength and prosperity".
He said unity inherently demands careful attention and vigilance.
PNG - cancelled flights
Papua New Guinea's national air carrier, Air Niugini, is cancelling all domestic flights from midnight Friday until further notice due to jet fuel restrictions imposed by local supplier Puma Energy.
The airline apologised to customers for the inconvenience and disruptions caused by the cancellations, saying the situation was beyond their control.
Air Niugini says it is actively engaging in discussions with Puma Energy and other stakeholders to urgently address the fuel supply issues.
Pacific - maritime law
The US Coast Guard is in talks with Pacific Island countries to expand its maritime law enforcement role.
Officials say the US wants its officers to be allowed to board and search vessels suspected of illegal activity within their economic zones.
AAP reports PNG Prime Minister James Marape has told parliament the US agreement would "establish an expedited mechanism" for consent to board and search vessels suspected of illicit activity from drug trafficking to fishing.
The US announced plans a year ago to battle illegal fishing in the Pacific as part of increased engagement with the region.
Tonga - energy
A commissioning ceremony has been held for a new mini-grid generation system and distribution network in Tonga.
King Tupou VI led the ceremony which included a plaque unveiling and site inspections for the project, which is due to be completed in December.
The Outer Island Renewable Energy Project is funding solar-powered systems on 'Eua, Vava'u and Lifuka in Ha'apai, four outer islands in the Ha'apai group, and on Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou islands.
It is building solar generating facilities with a total distribution capacity of 1.32 megawatts at peak use, which is expected to reduce diesel imports by an estimated 480,000 litres a year.
Tonga - trafficking
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons will be commemorated for the first time in Tonga this weekend.
The activities are a coordinated effort by the members of the national Trafficking in Persons Technical Working group, with support from other organisations.
There will be a panel on the topic on TV and radio on Friday night and a Fun Run to raise awareness on people trafficking on Saturday.
There will also be a church service at Basilica of St Anthony of Padua on Sunday.
Vanuatu - sport
The Vanuatu government wants New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) to include athletes going on seasonal work to have sports clubs they can play for and train with while in New Zealand.
Vanuatu is concerned that some of their top athletes have left the country for seasonal work and this has affected their national teams.
Discussions have been held between the Ministry of Sports, the New Zealand government through their High Commission office in Port Vila, New Zealand Horticulture and the Oceania Football President, Lambert Maltock.
Vanuatu's Sports Minister Tomker Netvunei has been in New Zealand in the past few days for discussions on the issue.