6 Apr 2011

Vanuatu National Council of Women upset over Kilman's Papua

2:57 pm on 6 April 2011

Vanuatu's National Council of Women says the Prime Minister's decision to grant Indonesia observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group summit, was a breach of Melanesian solidarity.

The Council's President, Manina Packete, has described the move as irresponsible and a slap in the face for the people and against the will of parliament.

She says the Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, has made a mockery of the country, going against Vanuatu's support for Papuans, who are yet to be made MSG observers.

Ms Packete says Vanuatu must refocus on what it stands for and find a way to correct what she believes was a mistake.

"That's why my recommendation is instead of MSG, that has lost its way from our culture and custom, that we call this MSG secretariat building has to turn into a greater council of chiefs of Melanesia."

Manina Packete is suggesting the MSG secretariat be moved from Port Vila to Fiji or Papua New Guinea.