You are currently browsing the EU Australia Online archives for July, 2018.
When the host county Nauru banned the pool broadcaster, ABC, from the Pacific Islands summit set for September, it was condemned widely for an attack on freedom of the media.
Lee Duffield paid a visit this week to Dan McGarry, head of the Vanuatu Daily Post, who took a lead, declaring his outlet would no longer go. … Read More »
The Vanuatu foreign Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, has welcomed the intensified Chinese investment and aid efforts in his country, while conceding it does come with some extra diplomatic pressure.
In an extended interview with EUAustralia, at his Foreign Ministry office, Mr Regenvanu took stock of incidents upsetting the Australian government, and many Australians, like the story of China wanting a naval base in Vanuatu, which his government has denied. … Read More »
The long-awaited referendum in New Caledonia is approaching quickly.
In the final instalment of a three-part series, Lee Duffield in Noumea assesses some of the options and omens. … Read More »
In this second of three articles from Noumea, Lee Duffield (picture) learns about multi-cultural New Caledonia and the events that led to their referendum on independence now just four months away.
What is the shape of decolonisation in the present time, now long after the rush to independence that went on in countries around the world from 1960 to 1980? … Read More »
In France’s most far-flung territory, New Caledonia, the Bastille Day celebrations this year were as normal, though technically at least, those might have been the last as the national day.
Lee Duffield who is in New Caledonia watching the lead-up to the referendum on independence set for 4 November, says a “yes” vote would overturn decades of deal-making and compromise.
It is the first of three articles. … Read More »
Weakening of accord between Europe and the United States comes at a moment when Australian-EU relations are intensifying – raising thoughts about some future test of loyalty among friends.
British secession from the European Union that is set to become formal on 19.3.19 should complicate things even more. … Read More »
Even at the “end of the Earth”, or at least a most far-away point from France, they stayed up all night to revel in the country’s great victory.
The scene was a crowded sports bar in Noumea, New Caledonia, out in the mid-Pacific, towards 4 am local time, and 500 spectators dared to believe it was about to happen. … Read More »