JAPANESE PREMIER WITH PACIFIC NATION LEADERS TOAST IN TOKYO, 1997-10-13 (photo)

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto (3rd L) toasts with leaders of 16 South Pacific nations and territories during a banquet hosted by Hashimoto at the Akasaka State Guesthouse in Tokyo October 13 after the Japan-South Pacific Forum conference. South Pacific nations criticized Japan for shipping plutonium in waters near their islands and urged Tokyo to take a strong leadership role in a landmark December Climate conference. Cook Islands Prime Minister and chairman of the forum Geoffrey Henry said he was deeply disappointed with the fact that Hashimoto did not show up at the conference and added later that Hashimoto apologised for the absence because of a tight parliamentary schedule. Tonga's Prime Minister Baron Vaea is seen at second left and Fiji's premier Sitiveni Rabuka, 4th left. ENVIRONMENT JAPAN PACIFIC