27 Aug 2003

Vanuatu's NUP ready to back any opposition group to oust government

9:39 am on 27 August 2003

Vanuatu's opposition National United Party says its ready to back any proposed alliance of opposition parties to oust the coalition government.

This comes amid speculation of a merger of Barak Sope's Melanesian Progressive Party with the United Melanesian Party led by deputy prime minister Serge Vohor to form the Pan Melanesian Congress.

The UMP is a coalition partner of the ruling Vanuaaku Party led by the prime minister, Edward Natapei.

The National United Party's leader Willie Jimmy says he believes all opposition MPs want the government out.

"The National United Party together with other political parties in the opposition have nothing to lose we would welcome any offer by the two political parties as long as we have the numbers to form a government"

Willie Jimmy.

Mr Sope has refused to comment on the issue, while the government is yet to make a statement.