By Alastair Davis, an intern in the Lowy Institute's Melanesia Program.
- The shipment of Russian arms received by Fiji continues to intrigue analysts. This piece by Anna Powles and Jose Sousa-Santos explains the implications for Fiji-Russia relations and Russia's growing interest in the region.
- The smaller of Fiji's two opposition parties, the National Federation Party, was suspended for 30 days due to issues with their accounts. The suspension comes soon after the NFP had considered withdrawing from parliament and after its leader, Biman Prasad, published an op-ed critical of the state of democracy in The Fiji Times.
- Vanuatu's official election results have been released, with a few changes from the unofficial projections. An unwieldy coalition building process now begins in earnest.
- Papua New Guinea has lifted the ban on imported fruit and vegetables for three months, hoping to reduce food prices. The business community is sceptical of this short term solution.
- The outcomes document of The Voice Inc.'s Nation Builder Conference was released last week, outlining the priorities of the next generation of leaders in PNG.
- Care Australia's Paul Kelly writes from the highlands on the PNG Government's drought response. Poor data and coordination are exacerbated by the lack of cooperation with international partners.
- Stewart Firth argues that regional dynamics in the Pacific are evolving as states broaden their diplomatic horizons and China and Indonesia strengthen links with the region.
- The Marshall Islands wants to bring a case against Britain, India and Pakistan — the nuclear states that recognise the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ — claiming breaches of their Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty obligations.
- EMTV news in Port Moresby reported on the inaugural Nation Builders Conference and emphasised the potential of youth organisations: