TV1 6pm News Bulletin (First Segment)

Solomons Fighting - Fiji Coup Stalemate - Life In Suva - Varroa Mite - Aussie Olympic Torch

SOLOMONS FIGHTING: Fighting breaks out in the Solomon Islands with at least three people being hurt after violence started in yesterdays coup. Pro-militant groups have been fighting on the eastern side of the airport. The dispute is caused by ethnic tensions between the residents of Malaita and Guadalcanal. The Solomon’s Cabinet is holding an emergency meeting currently.

FIJI COUP STALEMATE: There has been another day of stalemate in Fiji after the army negotiators refused to continue talking with George Speight saying it won’t allow the rebel supporters any part in the new interim government. Neither Speight nor the military is expected to move with Commodore Frank Bainimarama refusing to bring out the hostages by force. A New Zealand military advisor seconded to the Fijian military has also identified as an army colonel behind the coup.

LIFE IN SUVA: Meanwhile life is slowly returning to normal in Suva with shops operating under normal hours. Meanwhile the Fijian immigration offices are overrun with Indians wanting to travel to Australia and New Zealand. The Courts are also under stress with some having to release prisoners because there are not places for them.

VARROA MITE: There is a spiraling cost to eradicating the Varroa Bee mite – a draft report estimates that if the bee mite isn’t eradicated it will cost the economy between $750 milllion and $2 billion in the next few years. MAF estimates the mite would cost $50 million to exterminate but is not sure if the mite

AUSSIE OLYMPIC TORCH: The Olympic torch came to Wellington this morning with a tour around the greater Wellington region. The PM accidentally extinguished the flame on her run and filmmaker Peter Jackson also had a run (accompanied by Rings star Liv Tyler).

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