In This Issue

BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN: Fiji prime minister Ratu Sir “JQ Kamisese Mara has thrown down the election gauntlet in what promises to be his stiffest electoral test in the 16 years that he has led the country. A coalition of the “old” opposition National Federation Party and the new Labour Party will give Ratu Mara’s Alliance Party a tough time at the polls. We profile the election with an overview of the issues, the personalities and the previous voting patterns.

JAPAN’S PACIFIC INITIATIVE: Faced with increased Soviet 25 commercial and diplomatic activity in the Pacific, Japan proposes joint action to maintain the western influence. It could mean a whole new program of aid and trade for the island countries.

THE POLITICS OF DISSENT: France, the UN and the New 1 2 Caledonia independence movement seem set on a collision course. France’s refusal to co-operate with the Committee of 24 and the FLNKS refusal to negotiate with Mr Pons have set the scene for confrontation. Meanwhile, France is determined to proceed with arrangements for this year’s referendum on the territory’s status with or without UN approval.

FUNDS FROM FISH: The island countries’ pay out from the 27 US tuna deal may be better than at first expected for some.

Our Washington correspondent examines the agreement and also profiles the ’’other end” of the tuna industry the consumer market in the United States. He finds that the species is far more migratory after it leaves the ocean than it ever has been while in the water.

IT’S PARTY TIME: Election year in Vanuatu has seen the 10 birth of a clutch of new parties all hoping to topple the Vanua’aku Rati led by Fr Walter Uni. We taxe a look at the new hopefuls and their policies and find that the VP is probably still the best organised political unit in the country so far.

NOBLES UNDER FIRE: Allegations of mis-spending by 9 Tongan MPs have rocked the country and may even nave eroded the traditional unquestioning acceptance of authority in the kingdom. We background the issues and the personalities with interviews with churchmen and a farmer.

The Privy Council may eventually decide the issue which is before the court.