Inside

jwm COVER: At the 1996 South Pacific ■ f Forum France was readmitted as a post f Forum dialogue partner. Questions have I I been asked on the wisdom of the move which is perceived by some to have been taken much too soon

6: Letters 23: Pacific dealings with France raise questions 23: Islanders’ high hopes of elections 28: Palau’s political profiles 29: The uncontested politician 39: On Vanuatu’s shaky ground 42: The gay life 44: Netting the world 45: Luisa to stay on Street 47: ’Twas not always thus 49: PNG pottery 55: Haves and have nots of logging

Sport

50: Irrepressible Ropati brothers 52: The strong silent type 53: Two worlds of Karembeu

Yachting

57: Fiji Regatta Week

Special Report

On the

H A brink of

change

Nearly a decade after Fiji’s military coups the nation waits to see what effects the Constitution Review Commission will have

Views

8: Debbie Singh: To be or not to be? 10: Jemima Garrett: Pacific gets budget reprieve 11: David Barber: NZ’s new election system 12: Alfred Sasako: Welcome back, France

Feature

33: Construction In the Pacific