Vanuatu

Chinese foreign minister’s Pacific tour continues in Vanuatu

Associated PressJune 1, 2022 GMT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Vanuatu on Wednesday for talks as he continued his regional island-hopping tour two days after failing to ink an ambitious deal with 10 South Pacific nations.

2 more Oceania World Cup qualifiers called off for COVID-19

By The Associated PressMarch 20, 2022 GMT

Cook Islands became the second nation in Oceania World Cup qualifying to have a match postponed following a positive COVID-19 test.

The Oceania Football Confederation said Sunday's Group A games between Cook Islands and Tahiti, and between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands would not be played.

Vanuatu World Cup qualifer put off for positive COVID tests

By The Associated PressMarch 17, 2022 GMT

The match between Tahiti and Vanuatu on the opening day of delayed Oceania World Cup qualifying on Thursday was postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests conducted at Vanuatu's team hotel in Doha, Qatar.

Iran regains UN assembly voting rights after assets unfrozen

January 24, 2022 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly said Monday that Iran, Guinea and Vanuatu had paid sufficient back dues to the United Nations’ regular operating budget to regain their voting rights in the 193-member world body.

Iran, Venezuela and Sudan lose UN voting rights with 5 more

January 12, 2022 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Iran, Venezuela and Sudan are in arrears on paying dues to the United Nations’ operating budget and are among eight nations that will lose their voting rights in the 193-member General Assembly, the U.N.

A rarity: Cricket goes live in Vanuatu in the South Pacific

April 25, 2020 GMT

PORT VILA, Vanuatu (AP) — Overnight rain didn't stop Vanuatu from producing a rarity in these coronavirus-restricted times — a live sporting event.

The tiny islands in the South Pacific were the only venue in the world hosting a competitive sports final on Saturday, as most international sports remain shuttered.

Miss watching sports? Cricket final going live - in Vanuatu

April 24, 2020 GMT

PORT VILA, Vanuatu (AP) — They’re ready to go live in Vanuatu.

A tropical island in the South Pacific is very likely to be the only venue in the world hosting a competitive cricket final on Saturday, as most international sport remains shuttered around the globe...

Magnitude 7.5 quake strikes in Pacific near New Caledonia

By NICK PERRYDecember 5, 2018 GMT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage...

Vanuatu orders evacuation of island with rumbling volcano

By NICK PERRYSeptember 28, 2017 GMT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Vanuatu officials on Thursday ordered the complete evacuation of an island in the Pacific archipelago where a rumbling, belching volcano is threatening to blow...

$330 million in cocaine seized from Vanuatu yacht

August 23, 2013 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — U.S. and Australian agents seized 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds) of cocaine from a yacht in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, officials said Friday.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Australian Federal Police have collaborated with South Pacific governments since 2010 to investigate organized crime syndicates' use of yachts to smuggle cocaine from South America to Australia.