Kilman to consult MSG to resolve differences

Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, said he will consult with the Melanesian Spearhead Group to resolve the differences between Vanuatu and Fiji.

Kilman became Prime Minister last week after Edward Natapei was toppled in a parliamentary vote.

According to Radio New Zealand, Solomon Islands has been laying the groundwork for the MSG to patch its differences after Mr Natapei, in his role as chair, cancelled a summit in Fiji in July.

Natapei had said at the time that it was against the values of the MSG for Fiji’s Commodore Frank Bainimarama, as an unelected leader, to assume the chairmanship of the body.

But Kilman said it’s undeniable that Melanesian countries have to move forward.

He said a problem for one is a problem for all of the member countries.

Kilman said there are also other problems the MSG is facing and that are why the issues with Fiji need to be resolved.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has said earlier that he will not attend next week’s planned meeting in Honiara and Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is expected to attend the meeting.



Story by: Roneel Lal