Harmony settles over Samoa's politicians
An air of harmony finally settled over Samoa's politicians today as the members of the opposition HRPP Party were sworn in as MPs more than five months after their elections.
The MPs were in Parliament Friday morning for the first time this week at the direction of the Supreme Court, which ruled yesterday the Speaker could not continue to stop them from taking their rightful places.
The MPs hugged and embraced and were then sworn in.
Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the leader of the HRPP Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi embrace Photo: Parliament of Samoa
Our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, said parliament was then adjourned, to resume on Monday when the opposition get to have their say about the Budget.
He said there are critical issues the former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and his HRPP members, want to raise.
"Especially the one million Tala allocated for each of the 51 constituencies. It's a new move by the new government to have that in the Budget and Tuilaepa and his team will have a go."
Fiji has a new military commander
Brigadier-General Jone Kalouniwai is the new Commander of Fiji's Military Forces.
This was confirmed by the Government via its social media Facebook page on Thursday.
Kalouniwale replaces Viliame Naupoto, whose term ended last month.
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and army commander Ratu Jone Kalouniwai. Photo: Fiji govt
Former military man Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho remains as Commissioner of Police, and former Navy head Francis Kean stays on as Commissioner for the country's Corrections Service.
Jeanette Emberson has been appointed the new Secretary-General to Parliament.
The appointments were made by the President, Major General Ret'd Jioji Konrote on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, and appointments of open merit recruitment.
All of the appointments will be for a term of five years.
Independence is the focus of Bougainville's government
The autonomous Bougainville Government said it is not changing course as it seeks independence from Papua New Guinea.
President Toroama was speaking after a parliamentary statement from the PNG Prime Minister, James Marape, that nothing can be pre-determined on the independence question.
Mr Marape said neither he nor his government could legally make any commitment on independence, with the final decision vested in parliament.
But Mr Toroama said Bougainville and PNG must both comply with the Peace Agreement.
President Toroama said a recent joint communique and the Sharp's agreement on the transfer of powers are essential parts of Bougainville's journey to independence.
He said he still has confidence in these processes despite a seeming lag by Mr Marape's government in up holding its part in these.
Mr Toroama said despite the challenges he had not lost sight of people's aspirations for an independent Bougainville.