one fellow's political coverage, music ramblings and general hijinks across decades under a range of guises at several locations often in a state of awe.
A Canadian firm has won approval to begin exploring the deep seabed off Tonga for high grade copper, gold, zinc and silver deposits – in what could become one of Tonga’s biggest mining operations. Nautilus Minerals Tonga, which has been registered locally, will begin surveying the sea beginning in May.
Continue reading “Tonga deep seabed mining exploration approved”
The Indian government is fighting a case in the Supreme Court, trying to unblock a $US600 million infrastructure project first dreamed of nearly 150 years ago. The idea of a shipping channel between Sri Lanka and India was first drafted in 1860, but it’s yet to become a reality, although it would cut transport time for freight ships by around 30 hours. The problem is, the channel will have to cut through the Hindu holy site of Ram Setu.
Colonel Bui Tin was a top leader in the Communist North Vietnamese army during the Tet Offensive in 1968. And on April 30, 1975, he was the highest ranking officer to reach the presidential palace grounds at the fall of Saigon where he accepted the surrender of the south to end the Vietnam war.
Continue reading “Former N Viet commander recalls Tet strategy”
Forty years ago today, Vietnamese Communist forces launched a massive surprise attack against South Vietnamese and foreign forces. The year was 1968 and the the Tet offensive was to turn the tide of Australian and US public sentiment against the war.
Continue reading “Vietnam’s Tet offensive remembered forty years on”
The Singapore government announced late last week that three Singaporean men had been detained for terrorism offences in December. However, their arrest has been overshadowed by the successful release of eleven others – the same week – after undergoing a government-sponsored religious rehabilitation program. Run by the Islamic community’s Religious Rehabilitation Group – made up of senior scholars and teachers – the program is now being seen as an important new element in fighting so-called ‘radical ideas’.
Continue reading “Singapore’s religious rehabilitation program”
The distinctive tattoo and carving techniques on the bodies and faces of the Maori and Polynesian peoples is said to be surging in popularity after decades of being driven out of sight. Known as “ta moko” by the Maori, “pe’a” and “malu” by Samoans, its traditional statements tell of family ties, history and status. Renown moko artist, Inia Taylor, begins this report on the rebirth of moko – and the sensitivities that arise from its use in mainstream culture.
Continue reading “Maori, Polynesian tattoos back in fashion”
Taiwan’s Vice President, Annette Lu, has announced she will visit four Pacific allies next week to shore up relations following recent elections in the region. Ms Lu will start her tour in the Marshall Islands on Wednesday, then Nauru and the Solomon Islands, followed by Palau.
The Italian government has stepped outside of the European Union and is offering Pacific nations direct development funding. The $US12 million grant over the next three years is to be used to tackle health and climate change issues across the region.
Continue reading “Italy to give Pacific millions for health, climate”
New Zealand has paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary at a state funeral in Auckland. Sir Edmund, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, conquered Mount Everest on May the 29th, 1953.
Thailand’s parliament convenes Monday with allies of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra back in charge. But at their press conference on Saturday, the 6 coalition partners refused to clearly state whether they would all support Samak Sundaravej, leader of People’s Power Party, as premier.
