SYDNEY - Friction between South Pacific neighbours Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomons has flared up along their narrow sea border, after PNG made good its threat to hunt down secessionist Bougainville island rebels it says seek shelter in the Solomons.
PNG's Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, announced the resumption of a military offensive on Bougainville in March, after 11 PNG security personnel were killed by secessionist rebels, ending an 18 month ceasefire on the island.