Solkope

Solkope is a small island off the south-western coast of Rotuma in the Fiji Islands. It is considered to be part of the Rotuma Group along with the several other minor islands: Hatana, Hofliua, Solnohu, and Uea. It is adjacent to the district of Noa'tau, near Rocky Point.

Solkope was subject to a land ownership dispute as part of a secessionist movement orchestrated by the Molmahao Clan of Noa'tau district, and the micronation Dominion of Melchizedek in the year 2000. According to documents tendered in court [1] pertaining to the case, the native landowner of Solkope Island, Hiagi Apao signed a 99 year sovereign master lease, leasing the land to the Dominion of Melchizedek. This document is said to be signed by both Apao and Tzemach "Ben" David Netzer Korem, the "Head of House of Elders" for the DOM. As there was no legal challenge to this claim, it i still unclear as to whether the land belongs to the native title owner or the the government of the micronation. On the DOM website [2] Solkope is listed as territory to the micronation, although Korem has since been banned from entering Fiji and there is no Dominion of Melchizedek presence on the island nor mention of their claim.