TUVALU TO PURSUE LEGAL CHALLENGE AGAINST BRITAIN

FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu (March 4, 2002 – Radio Australia)---Tuvalu is going ahead with plans to challenge the terms of separation imposed by Britain when Tuvalu and Kiribati achieved independence.

Tuvalu and Kiribati were known as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands before their independence in the late 1970s (Tuvalu in 1978 and Kiribati in 1979).

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Koloa Talake told the regional news agency PACNEWS that Tuvaluans feel cheated by the way Britain shared the assets of the two small island nations.

He said Tuvalu only got a ship and Kiribati was given much more when the separation became effective.

Mr. Talake said an Australian legal firm is helping local lawyers to document evidence, which will be used as the basis for a court challenge.

He said the level of compensation being sought is yet to be decided.

For additional reports from Radio Australia, go to PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT News/Information Links: Radio/TV News/Radio Australia.