Scoop Video: Interview With Tonga's Most Controversial Man - Tonga's pro-democracy leader, Clive Edwards, is one of the island nation's most controversial figures. He's hated by Nobles, loathed by many, his views banned by Tongan authorities. In the wake of riots that tore through Tonga's capital Nuku'Alofa, where mobs ransacked and burned the town to destruction, Edwards called for the government to relent to pressure and open the parliament to an open and free election. Scoop here publishes an extended interview with the Tongan people's representative. Scoop Video Hated & Loathed, Scoop IV's Clive Edwards
PLUS:
Scoop Audio & Text Report: Selwyn Manning on BBC Radio reports: How Fiji's military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama has intensified threats to overthrow the Fijian government unless it meets his demands. ALSO:NZMFAT Travel Advisory: Fiji Travel High Risk
KiwiFM Audio: Wammo talks to Scoop's Selwyn Manning about Pacific insecurity, what it was like reporting on the Tonga riots that destroyed Nuku'Alofa, and whether a military coup is being planned in Fiji.

Scoop Report and Photoessay: Tonga Faces Crossroad - Twenty four hours after rioters tore through Tonga's capital town looting and burning, leaving a sea of blazing buildings in their wake, New Zealand's Helen Clark said there were two futures on offer for the Pacific. "One is poverty and conflict; the other is peace and development." The comment accurately paints a crossroad for Tonga, for Solomon Islands, Fiji, for Melanesia in general. The comment acknowledges how accurate the United States' most recent handle for the Pacific is: The Arc of Uncertainty. See... Scoop On Assignment: Tonga Faces Crossroad
ALSO:

Tonga: Kiwi Soldiers Keep Peace - Restoration of calm remains the focus of the 72 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed after three days in the Tongan capital. New Zealand troops continue to maintain security at Fau'amotu Airport in conjunction with Tongan Defence Service personnel. "Monday's achievement was securing the airport, which is now fully functioning and operational for commercial flights," said Lieutenant Colonel Darren Beck. See... NZDF Calming Support in Tonga
ALSO:

Australian Defence Force - ADF Support to Tonga - Update
Scoop Audio - Scoop Co-Editor Selwyn Manning speaks to Australia's Radio Adelaide from Tonga.

KiwiFM Audio: Wammo talks to Scoop's Selwyn Manning, fresh from the first flight into Tonga after last week's rioting. Selwyn discusses the reactions of Tongans and background events from his last visit for the royal funeral.

95bFM Audio (click here to listen): Selwyn Manning speaks to bFM's Noelle McCarthy about the situation in Tonga. Selwyn will be reporting from Tonga on the situation after riots in the capital Nuku'alofa.

Tonga Deployment: NZ Troops Seen As Supporting Monarchy - The New Zealand Government should take note of concerns that the presence of New Zealand troops in Tonga could be seen to strengthen the hand of the monarchy, Green MP Keith Locke warns. Leaders of Tonga's democracy movement have expressed concerns that Australian and New Zealand troops in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa could in practice reinforce the political system that caused unrest in the first place. Meanwhile, the New Zealand joint defence force commander in Tonga says troops are likely to increase their presence. See... Listen to the Tongan democracy movement ALSO:

ALSO: Tonga Airport Secured And Now Open - The New Zealand led Combined Joint Task Force newly arrived in Tonga wasted no time in securing the airport and confirmed the airport open for civilian air travel this morning. See... NZ Led Force Declares Fau’amotu Airport Open
ALSO:

Tongan Advisory Council - Tongan Advisory Council - A Call to account
Scoop Video: Tonga - An Island On The Brink

**********