23 Jan 2004

Samoa still possible Forum host

6:33 am on 23 January 2004

The Samoa prime minister's office says the government is still waiting to hear if it will be hosting the Pacific Leaders Forum in August.

Niue was to have hosted the Forum, but the damage caused by Cyclone Heta means it cannot now do so.

Samoa has been mooted as a likely replacement but the prime minister's chief executive, Va'asatia Poloma Komiti, says the selection process is done alphabetically, and between Niue and Samoa, lie Palau and Papua New Guinea.

Mr Komiti says despite Samoa not being scheduled to host the event until 2007, he is optimistic the country can be ready if required.