Pacific News Briefs

PACIFIC AND PALESTINE compiled by Samoa News staff Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Most Pacific countries were among 34 nations which did not vote on a decision to admit Palestine to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Leaders from across the region are making their way to New York for assembly week. The UN said the vote became necessary in the wake of a US decision to deny visas to, and revoke visas from, representatives of Palestine. Vanuatu voted in support of Palestine's participation in the 81st UNGA, as did 151 other member states, while three were opposed and four abstained. Vanuatu is considering linking marine weather warnings to permissions for allowing various categories of vessels. The Vanuatu Daily Post reported that the proposal could see regulations potentially determining which boats can operate under particular weather and sea conditions.

Minister for Climate Change and Meteorological Services Ralph Regenvanu proposed the idea after last week's MV Matui disaster in which dozens of passengers are feared to have died. Regenvanu said the disaster reinforces the need to turn weather warnings into clearer guidance for sea travel. He said vessel operators need clearer guidance on whether their vessels can safely operate under particular conditions. The proposed approach would reduce the need for vessel captains to interpret general weather warnings themselves. FIJI WATER A Fjian farmer has given up her cattle as water supply dwindles. Sunita Devi said sometimes there is no water for the animals, and when they are thirsty, they cry and she also cries because she could not do much to provide water. The Fiji Sun reports the family relies on a shared water tank, and Devi said she could not prioritize her animals and garden when neighboring families also…