Marshall Islands - Taiwan
Marshall Islands President David Kabua called on the UN to rescind its interpretation of a resolution which led to Taiwan being barred from participating.
The Marshall Islands has been a democratic ally of Taiwan for 25 years.
President Kabua said the UN will never be whole and complete without the meaningful participation of the 23 million people of Taiwan.
He said the "UN bureaucracy" continues stick to a "wrongful misinterpretation of Resolution 2758," using it to exclude the UN's engagement with the people of Taiwan and their democratic system.
CNA reports Resolution 2758, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1971 to resolve the issue of China's representation, recognises the People's Republic of China as the "only lawful representative of China."
It does not mention Taiwan and does not state that "Taiwan is part of the PRC," as China claims, according to the Taiwan government.
The resolution also does not authorise Beijing to represent Taipei in the UN system, according to Taiwan.
President David Kabua delivers his statement the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Photo: UN Photo
Cook Islands - mural
The longest mural in the South Pacific is being painted in Rarotonga with the hope it will be finished in time for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in November.
It will span the islands seawall by the airport. The seawall features distinct legends and animals from each of the 15 islands.
It was commissioned to showcase Marae Moana, the multi-use marine park which extends over the entire exclusive economic zone of the Cook Islands.
Kevin Iro, who spearheaded Marae Moana, said the meeting is a good chance to raise awareness.
"I know there's going to be a lot of messaging around our ocean, how we have to look after it and maintain it. So, it will be a good time to get it completed and really showcase it at that event," Iro said.
"It's a great tool particularly for our kids and everyone drives past the seawall and they can see and identify islands and characters and all those sorts of things that make Marae Moana what it is."
Vanuatu - duties
The Vanuatu government has slashed import duties on fuel, rice, and chicken wings in an effort to curb inflation.
As the Daily Post reports, the order, signed by the finance minister Johnny Koanapo, lowered the price of petrol by 10 Vatu per litre ($US0.082).
For one kilo of rice the duty rate has been dropped from 15 percent to five percent.
Fiji - porn
The US government has found at least 7,000 obscene images of Fijian children have been found on websites online.
The Fiji Times reports the Attorney-General Siromi Turaga as saying this has prompted greater collaboration between the Fiji Police and the US State Department to find the source of the "disturbing images".
Turaga said they have been taken on mobile phones.
He wants to remind parents, guardians and every stakeholder dealing with children to be cautious.
US government has found at least 7,000 obscene images of Fijian children have been found on websites online. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Tonga - climate mobility
Tonga has co-hosted a Climate Mobility Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Matangi Tonga reports it was held under the theme "Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaptation and Resilience", on September 18 organised by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.
Tonga's Foreign Affairs Minister Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu said there is a need for like-minded leaders to come together and call attention for urgent action to address climate-forced migration and displacement.
She said funding mechanisms needed strengthening to ensure that more resources are committed to support the most vulnerable.
Tonga - arrested
A 56-year-old customs officer has been arrested by Tonga Police after Customs seized an illegal shipment of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition from the USA.
This was concealed in a personal consignment.
Matangi Tonga reports police arrested the customs officer in Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa.
The items included nine 22 calibre-rifles, three rifle scopes, nine magazines, two pump action shotguns, one Taurus pistol and approximately more than 4000 pieces of ammunition.
The Ministry of Revenue and Customs says an investigation is ongoing.
Samoa - fined
A Samoan woman in the US has been fined $10,000 by her village after insulting the prime minister on Facebook.
The Samoa Observer reports Alalatoa Rosella Viane-Papalii has been found guilty of using insulting words directed at the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, but had 17 charges of harassment using an electronic device dismissed.
In considering the offending, the court placed weight on the $10,000 tālā fine imposed by the village of Fa'ala Palauli.
Her prior good character, personal circumstances, and being a mother and grandmother were also taken into consideration as she was handed a three-month suspended sentence.
Samoa - agreement
Samoa's Ministry of Health has signed an updated agreement with the Fred Hollows Foundation in New Zealand.
This runs for five years and aims to reduce avoidable blindness and vision impairment in Samoa.
The two organisations have had a long relationship to improve Samoa's eye health.
Over the last 10 years, the Ministry and the Foundation have also worked together to support the Pacific Outreach Team, based out of Fiji, to conduct nine surgical outreach visits to Samoa to complement existing eye care services.
