president

EU parliament elects youngest ever president

Ms Metsola, 43, has a record of being anti-abortion, but has billed herself as pro-LGBT rights.

The Maltese national takes over the role from David Sassoli, 65, who died last week after a serious illness.

She is one of three women in the top EU jobs, along with the heads of the European Commission and Central Bank.

But taking questions from journalists on Tuesday, she was asked more than once about her views on women's reproductive rights.

Bougainville music academy launched

“The spirit in music changes your ability in realising your potential and it also has the power to change the social behavior of people,” President Toroama said.

“Musicians have the power to create positive social change in our communities as well as our government through their messages of hope and awareness on development.

“To the young musicians and to all young Bougainvilleans, you have to embrace change that will create innovative thinking and creativity on Bougainville.

ABG president notes steady progress

In a recent update, he outlined that the fourth House of Representatives is on track.

“During my campaign, I outlined three basic platforms that form the basis of my Presidency; these are independence, economic revitalisation and ending corruption and improving law and order,” Toroama stated.

“These platforms appealed to the average Bougainvillean because the people demanded a change from the previous political regime and so they opted for one that could provide decisive and pragmatic leadership.  

Bougainville’s caretaker government

President Ishmael Toroama, Vice President Patrick Nisira and Women’s representative for South Bougainville, Therese Kaetavara, will take care of government for a period of two weeks.

The House of Representatives chamber was filled with members-elect and key development partners who witnessed the MPs’ declarations of loyalty to Bougainville, to PNG and to the office they hold.

After the ceremony, President Toroama announced his caretaker government in accordance with Section 82 of the Bougainville Constitution.

Board vacancies concern association

This includes the delay in appointment of chief executive officers as well as a permanent Department Secretary.

Wilson Thompson, President of the Farmers & Settlers Association, expressed his concerns recently, urging the Department of Public Service and Agriculture Minister to appoint a permanent Department of Agriculture and Livestock secretary and fill other vacancies.

Turkey rallies row: Germany and Netherlands harden stance

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany and the Netherlands of "Nazism" after officials blocked rallies there.

Dutch PM Mark Rutte called his comments "unacceptable", while Germany's foreign minister said he hoped Turkey would "return to its senses".

Denmark's leader has also postponed a planned meeting with Mr Erdogan.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he was concerned that "democratic principles are under great pressure" in Turkey.

Indian President pays respect to fallen Indian soldiers, places wreath

The President laid his wreath at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby.

It is also believed that about 426 Indian soldiers who were taken prisoner in Malaya and Hong Kong, and brought to New Guinea (then)  by the Japanese were buried at Lae War Cemetery.

Mukherjee arrived in Port Moresby this morning at around 11.40am and was welcomed at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and other government ministers.

Fiji Parliament to elect new President today

As per requirement under the 2013 constitution, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has nominated former military officer and current cabinet minister Jioji Konrote for the position, where as the opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has nominated Taveuni chief and former military commander Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

The constitution requires the President has had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sector.

Ganilau nominated as Fiji presidential candidate

Parliament will hold a special sitting on Monday to elect the new president.

The opposition's leader Ro Teimumu Kepa says it has tried to follow a process to depoliticise the nomination.

Ro Teimumu says her SODELPA Party chose him after discussions with chiefs as opposed to a process of numbers and voting by politicians.

Ratu Epeli was the defence minister in the post-coup regime of Frank Bainimarama following an unsuccessful bid as leader of the National Alliance to win a seat in the 2006 election.

Louisiana Gov. Jindal sets up 2016 campaign, names staff

Jindal has an announcement later Wednesday about his 2016 plans, but already is naming a campaign team and outlining strategy.

The 44-year-old, two-term governor is set to enter the GOP nomination race without the national prominence of some of the dozen rivals in the competitive field.