Two of the three factions of heirs to the Malietoa title in Samoa plan to bestow the paramount title on one of the sons of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II.
In deliberations on Saturday the heirs of Malietoa Natuitasina and Malietoa Moli agreed to give support for Papalii Moli to be the next holder of the title.
A family member of the Natuitasina clan, Papalii Ioane, says this move would avoid another legal battle that would end with the court appointing the next Malietoa.
Papalii Moli was originally bestowed with the title but a court battle seven years ago overturned this after the three factions had disagreed.
The Natuitasina clan is to meet next month to gauge support for the unity move.
Meanwhile our correspondent reports that the third faction, the heirs of Malietoa Talavou were caught by surprise with the unity announcement.
