16 Sep 2005

Vanuatu government reviews coalition MOU

2:09 pm on 16 September 2005

The Vanuatu government is reportedly reviewing the memornadum of understanding that binds the ten parties in its coalition government.

The Daily Post reports that this follows the changes brought about by the reunification of the Vanua'aku Pati.

The original coalition agreement, for 11 parties, recognised the Vanua'aku Pati and the Vanua K Group separately.

Sources within the Prime Minister Ham Lini's National United Party say VP should relinquish one of its four ministries to their side, now that the party had been reunited.

But VP insiders refuse to say if this is going to happen as it could re-open the wounds of the past.

The review reportedly comes after cracks have appeared in the MOU since Mr Lini reshuffled the Vanuatu Republican Party from his cabinet.

The paper says Mr Lini promised the Republica Party leader, Maxime Carlot Korman, that he would arrange something to accommodate the party in the coalition but it is taking more time than expected.

Meanwhile, the Greens Confederation demand for three extra ministries remains unfulfilled.