The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Edward Natapei, has been flown to Sydney for a medical check up.
Our correspondent says the Government's spokesperson, Georges Pakoa Tarimanu, was not able cast much light on the nature or the Prime Minister's health problems.
But he says Mr Natapei was recently admitted to hospital in Port Vila for a few days and he needs a further medical check up.
The Prime Minister is expected back in the country in a week.
