24 Aug 2005

Forum despatches planner to help Nauru out of debt crisis

10:51 am on 24 August 2005

The Pacific Islands Forum is sending a senior official to act as national planner in Nauru.

Last year debt problems forced Nauru to make a formal request for help from the Forum under the crisis situation rules of the Biketawa Declaration.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Samoa's Ministry of Finance, Iulai Lavea, travels to Nauru next week to begin an 11-month posting.

The Forum says Mr Lavea will work with Nauru officials to set up a framework for national planning to help Nauru meet its future development goals.

The post is funded by Japan and was filled through a competitive process.