PNG Haus Bung

Morobe police have issued a strong warning to all small craft operators to strictly adhere to safety advisories from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and other authorized agencies, following a tragic maritime accident that claimed two lives in Sialum.Morobe Provincial Police Commander Chief (PPC) Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, stated that the warning follows a boat capsize at Quambu Point near Sialum Station around 10:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026.A family of five was traveling in a small craft through rough seas when the vessel overturned. The incident resulted in the deaths of the father and his eldest daughter whose bodies were subsequently brought to Butaweng Mortuary.A young boy and a young girl remain missing at sea, while the mother survived. The skipper and two crew members have been identified, and formal police investigations are currently underway.PPC Siguyaru emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of ignoring maritime safety warnings.“Morobe police are directing all small craft operators throughout the province to strictly comply with all NMSA safety advisories, weather warnings, and lawful directions issued by police and other authorised agencies.”“Operators who disregard these warnings and continue to operate in unsafe conditions will face police action.”He said police officers across Morobe Province have been instructed to monitor operators and take action against those who deliberately breach safety requirements.“Police officers throughout the Morobe Province have been instructed to stop, inspect, and, where sufficient evidence exists, arrest operators who deliberately violate maritime safety requirements or lawful police directions.”PPC Siguyaru said operators who place passengers’ lives at risk may face prosecution under relevant Papua New Guinea laws, including the National Maritime Safety Authority Act 2003, Merchant Shipping Act 1975, and provisions under the Criminal Code Act relating to reckless or negligent conduct.Moreover, he added that the police will continue working with NMSA to ensure maritime safety regulations are followed, and offenders are held accountable.PPC Siguyaru stated that the loss of lives at sea due to ignoring safety warnings is preventable and urged operators not to put profit or convenience ahead of passenger safety.Furthermore, the Morobe Provincial Police Command has extended its condolences to the affected family and said support will continue for search efforts to locate the two missing children.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Water PNG Limited, Mr. James Young has confirmed the anticipated partial shutdown of the water supply into Port Moresby.The outage is required for critical repair work and will take place over the coming weekend, running from 10:00 PM, Friday, July 31, to 3:00 AM, Sunday, August 2.Mr. Young explained that undertaking the repair work was intentionally deferred so that Water PNG could execute extensive remedial preparations and secure materials from around the globe.This strategy shortened the shutdown period to 29 hours- substantially less than the initial expectation of more than a week.“While the situation remains serious, through input from engineers at Water PNG and experts around the world, we have been able to stabilize the situation so we can be in position for a shorter outage and better prepared in the event of a catastrophic failure during repairs.”“The trade-off in the delay is that the city has been losing 10 million litres each day to the major leak, but this is the price we pay to reduce impact on the city during the repairs.”“The additional preparations have included the replacement of key air valves and scour valves, extensive additional hydraulic modelling, securing replacement pipe materials and specialist repair couplings, and the installation of automated flow monitoring to support safer operation of the system during and after the repair.”“These materials and technical equipment have been brought in from around the world, and measures are in place to continue raw water flow into the Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant through the Rouna 4 pipeline.”“It is important that there is full information and transparency so that the public and the business community are fully aware of what is happening, and the ongoing risks that come with such serious repair work to the Rouna 1/3 pipeline.”“We are all in this together as we repair and maintain this vital public infrastructure.”During the 29-hour rationing period, the city’s water supply will be reduced by 100 million litres per day (down to 80 million litres).Mr. Young noted that the rotation schedule was designed to minimize the impact on households, ensuring residential areas maintain the greatest possible access to supply throughout Saturday.“The longest outage will be in the downtown area where hotels and houses have greater capacity to prepare and store water for this period, than is the case in many suburbs and settlements.”“Regardless, where people live or work, our advice is to store as much water safely in containers as is possible before the rationing period.”“This is important for drinking and cooking, and for flushing toilets. When water is rationed to your area be sure to top up containers for the remaining period of outage.”“Then when full water supply is returned, we urge all customers to run their taps for five minutes to ensure their supply is clear.”Warning of Further Potential InterruptionsMr. Young sounded a note of caution for further risks of failure that could occur during repairs.“The Rouna infrastructure is almost 65 years old; this means that the whole pipeline is unstable and fragile with the serious a risk of outright failure.”“There remains the chance that in reducing the pressure in the pipeline for repairs, and then repressurising, could cause a collapse.”“It is important that the public is aware of this potential so that if a worst-case-scenario was to eventuate, we can all work together to ensure public safety.”  “Water PNG will provide updates on the current repairs and any changes in the integrity of the pipeline.”Water Supply Rationing ScheduleWhile a specific zone has water supply at its allotted time, all other zones will be without supply. Forward planning is essential for both residents and businesses.10:00 PM Friday 31 July to 3am Saturday 1 August (Zone 4):Bomana, Marienville, Graceville, Maiolo Estate, Mendoza, Skyview, ATW, 2G, Laloki, MacGregor Barracks, Bio Farming, Kennedy Estate, Moitaka Power Plant, Brian Bell Home Centre, MVIL, Parliament House, Waigani National Court House, NZ High Commission, Nilkare St, Royal Golf Course, Morauta House, Telikom Rumana, Bowl Restaurant, TISA Building, Bishop Brothers, Boroko Motors, Ela Motors, The National Newspaper, Theodist, North Lake Estate.3:00 AM to 11AM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 1):Gerehu Stage 1-7, Rainbow, POMNAT, NRI, UPNG Main Campus, Red Sea Housing, EWT, Atlas Steel, PNG Ports, Curtain Brothers, Pacific Towing, Ensisi Valley, Tokarara, June Valley, North Waigani, Fourth Banner, Waigani Heights, Burns Peak, Lower Murray Barracks, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Lamana, Laguna, Dream Inn, Games Village, NCDC, VC, Rangeview, Savannah Heights, Stanley Hotel, Lakeside Housing Estate.11:00 AM to 7PM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 2):Boroko Drive, Gordon Industrial, 5 Mile, NBC, Erima, 6 & 7 Mile, Gateway, Airways, Airport, East Boroko, Korobosea, Waigani SNS, Hasting Deering, Waigani/Gordons Industrial -Gabaka St, Goroa St, Koani St, Soare St, Varahe Rd, Ahuia St, Manu, Taurama Barracks, Angau Drive, Bisini Parade, Caritas, Toea Homes, Mahuru, Kira Kira, Sabama, Pari Village.7:00 PM Saturday 1 August to 3AM Sunday August 2 (Zone 3):3 Mile, PX Village, Korobosea Drive, SVS, Murray Barracks, 4 Mile Boroko, Naslund, NCDC Depot, Works HQ, Seoul Restaurant, Garden Hills, Badili, Konedobu, Post Courier, Police HQ, Aviat Club, Lawes Rd, Port Road, Government House, Waterfront, Harbour City, ldubada, Kanudi, Town, Ela Beach Hotel, Touaguba, Airvos Av, Crown Hotel, Grand Papua Hotel, Paga Hill, Town CBC, IRC, Alibi, Ela Beach Tower.

The vision to Move Morobe Up continues to gather momentum as Morobe Governor and Member for Finschhafen, Hon. Rainbo Paita, led a high-level government delegation to Wawin Farm in Huon Gulf District for a landmark consultation on the future development of the Wawin Growth Centre.Joining Governor Paita was Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, together with government officials and community representatives from Naromanki, Zifasing and Tararan Wards of Wampar LLG.The meeting focused on the proposed Wawin Township Development, with local communities receiving updates on the many economic and infrastructure projects planned for the area.During the discussions, Governor Paita urged Minister Maru to fast-track the establishment of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for both Finschhafen and Wawin, stressing that these projects will create jobs, attract investment and unlock greater opportunities for the people of Morobe.The Governor also raised the progress of the Finschhafen Hydropower Projects, including the Burum 2 Hydro Project.In response, Minister Maru, who now has oversight responsibilities relating to PNG Power, assured the communities that he would engage with the relevant authorities and work towards accelerating the hydropower developments, as well as the proposed Wawin Solar Project.The people of Wawin warmly welcomed the delegation with traditional presentations of cattle, fresh local produce, bilums and a symbolic Muruk bird, reflecting their appreciation and commitment to the partnership between government and local communities.Governor Paita's leadership continues to bring national leaders directly to the people, ensuring communities receive clear information about the development plans that will shape the future of Finschhafen, Huon Gulf and Morobe Province.

It's been over a week now since a vessel went missing with 3 persons between the waters of Nissan Island and Buka last Saturday in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and sadly all progress to allocate them was not successful. The vessel was on a route departing Nissan Island and was heading for Buka but never arrived. ABG Directorate of Disaster and Emergency stated that the sea-based search operations are currently restricted and will not be possible until weather conditions improve.In the meantime, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) have issued warnings regarding strong winds across the Bougainville region; thus, this has caused search operations to be on hold. The ABG Directorate of Disaster further releases the following information and asks that the public reports any sightings of a floater dinghy dinghy with a yellow top powered by a 60HP Yamaha engine. The boat features one mast flying an AROB flag with a red scarf (bandana) on top and it is equipped with a red light that automatically activates at night (6:00 PM). The vessel was carrying one empty drum, one bag of cacao, two bags of copra in onion bags, a blue bingo, and two tanks (one spray-painted with blue dots).The three persons on Board are Mitchell Tokiapron (Skipper) he was wearing army-coloured sports shorts and an army camouflage jacket, Darrell (Crew) he was wearing a black cut t-shirt, black cargo shorts, and an army camouflage jacket and Horen Kapiatu (Passenger) who was wearing a black t-shirt and cargo shorts, with hair tied in a band.The MRCC and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) continue to broadcast information to all vessels operating in New Ireland waters. While this information remains current, there have been no confirmed sightings of the vessel to date. The Directorate of Disaster Emergency has extended its alert network to ensure maximum coverage of the maritime zones. Current efforts include:• New Ireland and Tanir LLG: The New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and Tanir (Tanga/Anir) LLG are actively monitoring their maritime zones.• Atolls and Local Coordination: Communication remains open with Nissan-Pinapel and Nuguria (Bougainville Atolls) to monitor any sightings from their respective locations.The Directorate of Disaster Emergency strongly reminds all small-craft operators to avoid unnecessary sea travel between Nissan, Buka, and surrounding waters due to the current adverse weather conditions. Operators must closely monitor official weather advisories before considering any travel. The ABG continues to extend its thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board. "We urge the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media and to rely only on official updates."

|Joshua extended his record to 30 victories and four defeats in one of the most dramatic fights of his careerAnthony Joshua suffered two knockdowns - the first happening after just 20 seconds - before recovering to dramatically stop Kristian Prenga in the second round of his comeback fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The British heavyweight was fighting for the first time since surviving the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele.He was sensationally rocked by a huge uppercut from underdog Prenga in the opening round, and then hit the canvas again later in the round.At that point he looked on the verge of one of the biggest shock defeats in heavyweight history, with the long-awaited Tyson Fury fight hanging by a thread.But Joshua produced one of the greatest escapes of his career, and now that fight is on.He unleashed his right hand in the second round, with the final shot sending Albanian Prenga crashing down and forcing the referee to halt the contest."It's more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough," Joshua, 36, said.He choked up and stepped away from the microphone, before adding: "It's my brothers. I don't want to talk about it."There had been speculation fellow Briton Fury might make a appearance despite insisting he would not attend.But the master of mind games stayed true to his word, with Fury nowhere to be seen barely 24 hours on from his own warm-up win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand."I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we're here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat," Joshua said about the prospect of fighting Fury.Contracts have been signed, but the venue and date for a fight more than a decade in the making are still unknown.This chaotic night, however, belonged to Joshua in a victory forged through adversity during the most difficult months of his life.Down but not out for AJ on emotional return|Joshua survived two knockdowns to record the 27th stoppage of his careerGiven the circumstances, this was never going to be a straightforward return for Joshua. Few, however, could have predicted the drama that unfolded inside six minutes.Joshua carried the names of Ghami and Ayodele on his chest and walked to the ring alongside his entire team in a quiet show of unity. The canvas carried their names too, alongside the words 'My Brother's Keeper'.His comeback could scarcely have begun in any worse fashion. Just 20 seconds in, a right uppercut from Prenga sent Joshua crashing to the canvas and stunned the arena.Joshua smiled as he climbed to his feet. Prenga, who arrived with 20 knockouts from his 20 victories but little profile even with boxing's hardcore followers, sensed an opportunity.Promoter Eddie Hearn barked instructions from ringside, while Joshua stablemate Oleksandr Usyk watched on with a look of concern.A left uppercut later in the round dumped Joshua on the canvas again. He was still unsteady at the start of the second round and appeared to be there for the taking, but Prenga surprisingly began to box off the back foot and let the Watford fighter off the hook.Joshua capitalised and using his years of experience - and perhaps the emotion - he drew Prenga on to a jab before uncorking a crushing right hand. More rights followed as Prenga collapsed to the canvas and the referee had seen enough.This was 35-year-old Prenga's second loss in his career.It was Joshua's first test against a recognised professional opponent since Daniel Dubois stopped him in September 2024.His only fight since had come against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, 10 days before the fatal crash that left him injured.Joshua passed the Prenga test, but not in the manner anyone expected. It was not the destructive, free-flowing champion who once swept opponents aside.'Tonight wasn't about Tyson Fury'|Joshua made his pro debut in 2013 after winning gold at the London 2012 OlympicsAfter defeating 46-year-old Wach in Pattaya, the question of whether Fury would show up to watch Joshua became a subplot of fight night.A Fury lookalike briefly fooled reporters when he stepped out of a taxi, while Fury's manager Spencer Brown insisted the 'Gypsy King' would be "there in spirit".The fight between two of the most recognisable names in British boxing is understood to have been agreed for November.Neither man is at the peak of his powers, but while the commercial appeal remains strong, Joshua's struggles are likely to leave Fury a clear favourite.The bout is expected to stream on Netflix. British fans are hoping for a homecoming event, but it is understood Saudi organisers and broadcasters favour a venue in the United States to cater for American audiences."We've signed the contract. Everything is done," Hearn said."But tonight wasn't about Tyson Fury. It was about the strength Anthony Joshua has shown just to be here."No-one knows what he's been through over the last seven months. When he went down in the first round, I thought he'd come back too soon."

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum (BILCF) has endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and recommended 1 September 2030 as the proposed date for Bougainville's Declaration of Independence.The Forum, chaired by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama and Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt brought together political leaders, veterans, civil society, community and youth representatives to reaffirm Bougainville's agreed pathway towards independence.Vice President Masatt presented the Final Bougainville Position, which was formally presented to the National Government in Kokopo last month. The position outlines a three-stage pathway comprising preparation for self-government until 1 September 2027, a period of self-government from 2027 to 2030, and independence in 2030, consistent with the definition of independence contained on the 2019 Referendum ballot paper.Vice President Masatt said Bougainville remained committed to the Bougainville Peace Agreement despite recent developments in the National Parliament."Since the last time we had our meeting, many things have moved on; things like the National Government introducing the three-quarter voting threshold in the sessional order. We know that as a response, the Final Bougainville Position was presented with our timelines," he said."Despite the disagreements, we on the ABG side made a conscious decision that despite what appears to be a strategy on the part of the National Government to make ratification fail, Bougainville will remain committed to stay engaged through consultations in respect of the Bougainville Peace Agreement."President Toroama reaffirmed that the Forum exists to guide Bougainville's political leadership throughout the consultation process on the referendum outcome."We are consulting over the referendum results only, which is independence, and not on any other package," President Toroama said."In the last term and this term, the Government has totally represented and protected the aspirations of the people on independence. Our stand on Bougainville's independence is clear."President Toroama also acknowledged the work of the ABG Public Service, led by the Chief Secretary, in aligning government legislation, policies and service delivery with the Final Bougainville Position.The Forum received strong support from veterans, who endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and called for national reconciliation between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville before 1 September 2027. Civil society and women's representatives also endorsed the position and called for continued government support to provide accurate information for community awareness.Among its key resolutions, the Forum:• Endorsed the Final Bougainville Position.• Recommended 1 September 2030 as Bougainville's Independence Declaration date.• Reaffirmed Bougainville's commitment to uphold the Bougainville Peace Agreement in good faith.• Called for the completion of the Bougainville Independence Constitution in line with the agreed timeline.• Recommended accelerating Bougainville's international engagement and lobbying.• Called for national reconciliation to commence before ratification in the National Parliament and conclude before 1 September 2027, including an extended process of reconciliation with the Solomon Islands.• Called on Constituency Members, civil society and faith-based organisations to lead Bougainville-wide independence awareness, peacebuilding and reconciliation.The BILCF further resolved that Bougainville's leaders and technical officials have no mandate to continue discussions in the event that the National Parliament ratification outcome does not endorse Bougainville independence referendum result, while reaffirming their commitment to achieving Bougainville's political independence through peaceful means. The Forum also recommended that the ABG raise concerns at the forthcoming Joint Supervisory Body meeting regarding the sessional order process as a matter of record on the parties' commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum last met in March 2025. The recommendations adopted today reaffirm Bougainville's united position and provide clear political direction for the next phase of the independence readiness process. 

Team PNG is in Scotland with all the athletes prepped and ready to compete in five (5) sporting codes in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.The Papua New Guinea athletes are focused and determined to compete in Boxing, Weightlifting, Women's Basketball 3x3, Swimming and Athletics, proudly carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation onto the international stage.Team PNG Chef de Mission, Elaine Iorive said the team have embraced the challenge of preparing for one of the biggest events on the international sporting calendar and are eager to begin competition."After months of training and preparation, Team PNG is proud and excited to be part of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Marching behind our flag on the world stage is a special moment for every athlete and official," said Iorive."This is a celebration of the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that has brought us here. We are ready to represent Papua New Guinea with pride and to showcase the resilience, talent and spirit of our people throughout the Games."Team PNG commenced competitions today with the Women's Basketball 3x3, Swimming and Boxing.Earlier Team PNG members were greeted with a warm welcome from Her Excellency, Betty Palaso, Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who urged athletes to compete with pride and fly the nation's flag with distinction at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.Addressing Team PNG in Glasgow this week, High Commissioner Palaso praised the dedication and hard work that earned each athlete the opportunity to represent PNG.Encouraging the athletes to compete with pride and determination, she expressed confidence in their ability to succeed.The full competition schedule is available here:https://www.glasgow2026.com/schedule/day-by-day

His Excellency, Honourable Ishmael Toroama, joined the Vice President, Honourable Ezekiel Massat, and other members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday 22nd July 2026, in commemorating the establishment of the First Great Council of Chiefs with the Chiefs and people of Tonsu, in Petats Island. The occasion marked the beginning of an initiative that will see a traditional governing body working together with the Autonomous Bougainville Government in decision-making at different levels. In his address, His Excellency mentioned that traditional leaders are significant as they will act as another foundation to hold the people of Bougainville together. “Our (chiefs) work is different, responsibility is different, but it manages the livelihood in the villages, it manages the land and the future generation that are still yet to come.”He thanked the Vice President, who is also the interim Chairman of the Council and the chief of Tonsu, for coming up with such an initiative that represents community governance. “This is the foundational pillar of any governance that can be built.” As a recognized group, they will now be able to participate in the decision-making and assist the ABG at their level; they might be smaller than political leaders, but they make impactful decisions at the community level. “I want to thank you for establishing this initiative; my interest is to see how you establish it, what the responsibility of the Great Council of Chiefs would be up to the level of the right hand, which our government (ABG) has with me as the President.""And I want to see the decision you can make at your level so that we can work together, so we don’t fight over the responsibilities; each person is aware of their responsibility,” President Toroama said. The establishment of the Tonsu Great Council of Chiefs was followed by the nomination of co-chairpersons from the two clans, Naboin and Nakaripa, witnessed and voted for by the chiefs of the different wards. The initiative is a notable achievement for the people of Tonsu and is anticipated to be used by other Constituencies in Bougainville as a blueprint to create theirs. In Bougainville, the traditional leadership is based on matrilineal clans with Paramount Chiefs as the head, who govern with traditional rules and customs to keep social order and make important decisions in the communities.

The East New Britain Provincial Government today presented traditional shell money (tabu) to Captain Jurgen Ruh as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for his compassion and commitment in assisting with the transport of three recovered bodies from New Ireland Province to Nonga over the past few days.This traditional gesture reflects the deep gratitude of the people of East New Britain for Captain Ruh’s service during this difficult time for the affected families.Captain Ruh will return to Lae tomorrow. Due to the condition of any recovered bodies found later, they will first be transported to the Kavieng Hospital morgue for the necessary preparation before being placed in coffins and returned to East New Britain on commercial flights.The Governor also extends sincere appreciation to the people of New Ireland Province, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Provincial Disaster teams, and all agencies involved in the search and recovery operation. The close cooperation between East New Britain and New Ireland throughout this tragedy has demonstrated the true Melanesian spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood.On behalf of the people of East New Britain, the Governor thanks everyone who has stood with the grieving families during this challenging time. "Your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support will always be remembered."

West Papuan militants have claimed responsibility for the deaths of three indigenous Papuans, who they claim were supplying intelligence to Indonesia.In a statement, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said the three were executed in Yahukimo as traitors to Papua's independence movement.It claims to have evidence that the three Papuans had caused the deaths of several TPNPB troops.Along with the three Papuans, the TPNPB also killed an Indonesian Brimob police officer.The TPNPB said the executions were a warning to all Papuans not to engage with the Indonesian military, and that they will execute anybody that does.The TPNPB executed an American pilot, Nicholas Gosselin, after he flew a small aircraft into Yahukimo earlier this month.A spokesperson for the TPNPB said foreigners had been warned not to fly into the area, which the Army considers an active war zone.Allegations by the TPNPB that the company Gosselin flew for PT AMA had been helping transport Indonesian military, has been rejected by the company and the government.Indonesian's security forces have been a in a long-running violent conflict with the TPNPB which has escalated in highlands regencies in recent years.

Nauru's government has announced plans to set up an embassy in Israel.The government said Cabinet had endorsed the deployment of a scoping mission to Israel, to assess the diplomatic, operational, and logistical requirements to establish the embassy."A diplomatic presence in Israel will serve as an essential platform for advancing [Nauru's] foreign policy priorities, promoting sustainable development, and deepening bilateral engagement with one of the region's key partners," the government said in a statement on Wednesday."The creation of an embassy in Israel represents a significant milestone in [Nauru's] diplomatic outreach and underscores the nation's dedication to expanding its global partnerships in support of national development and strategic cooperation."The statement did not specify which city the embassy would be established in, but Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar said it would be in Jerusalem.In a translated social media post shared by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saar said the Nauruan embassy is expected to be the tenth embassy in Jerusalem, and the fifth since he took office, coming after he also reached an agreement with Colombia's incoming foreign minister on a similar move.Fiji and Papua New Guinea are among several countries which have diplomatic missions in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv, which is controversial due to the sensitive nature of a territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, who both claim Jerusalem as their capital.Fiji opened its embassy in Jerusalem in September 2025.Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said earlier last year that establishing an embassy "is not a blanket endorsement of another country's policies; it is a bridge that allows Fiji to work directly with partners".Fiji also reaffirmed its support for a peaceful two-state solution "where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in dignity and security".In March this year, Fiji's human rights watchdog warned that the country's pro-Israel foreign policy and diplomatic engagement works against its international obligations and could be enabling "genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity" in Gaza.Israel has also opened its permanent diplomatic base in Suva.In January, Saar said that Samoa will open an embassy in Jerusalem this year.Samoan Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa (La'auli) Leuatea Schmidt said he instructed Samoa's foreign ministry to begin preparations for the embassy's opening by the end of the year, according to a recording of the speech posted on the Samoan government's Facebook page.When PNG opened its Israeli embassy in Jerusalem in 2023, the Palestinian Authority called it an "aggression" and a "violation" of international law.PNG Prime Minister James Marape said at the time the move had deep religious significance."Many nations choose not to open their embassies in Jerusalem, but we made the conscious choice," he said."This has been the universal capital of the nation and people of Israel."For us to call ourselves Christian, paying respect to God will not be possible without recognising that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and nation of Israel."The United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo and Paraguay also have embassies in Jerusalem.The Israeli government has a formal policy of offering incentives to countries willing to open embassies in Jerusalem, including financial support for relocation and setup costs.

Eleven Pacific Island nations will be represented at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games scheduled to officially open on Friday (New Zealand time).Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have all sent teams to the event.While majority of the athletes will be using the Glasgow Games to measure their growth in their respective sport, there are some who will be genuine medal contenders against the best in the Commonwealth.There are 74 nations and territories represented at this year's Commonwealth Games, which includes separate teams for the four home nations of the United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.There are also various overseas territories, and debutants, with Togo and Gabon making their first appearances.For the Pacific, there have been different hurdles as the respective countries worked on assembling their best for the Games.Finance has always topped the list of challenges island teams faced, particularly with the change in hosting venue.But that is now behind the teams as their focus shifts to participating and competing at the 23rd Commonwealth Games.The event was originally planned to be held in Victoria, Australia, but moved to Glasgow following the initial hosts' inability to get their hosting in order.Victoria cancelled hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to massive cost blowouts, following an increase in projected costs from the originally budgeted AU$2.6 billion to around AU$7 billion.The increased budget came from the decentralised model that was to be used, which would see the Games' events hosted across four regional hubs in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland.The Victoria State government withdrew their hosting rights and paid AU$380 million in compensation to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).Glasgow put its hand up and agreed to host, but with a reduced competition format, settling for only 10 sports from the usual 20, as was the case at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.So, to Glasgow the Pacific island teams have flown, with a lot more to pay for the exercise.The majority of Pacific Island contingents have arrived at the host city.It includes Team Vanuatu members, who were unable to leave Port Vila on Monday, but are now on their way to Glasgow because of flight cancellations.With the popular sevens rugby competition not part of the event this time around, Pacific Island teams would be banking on their weightlifters, bowlers and judokas to lead their campaigns for medals.Weightlifting will see 10 of the 11 Pacific Island nations competing and should be the sport that will win the most medals for them.