The deputy leader of Vanuatu's opposition, Edward Natapei, has rejected a Government statement that the Vanuaaku Pati is a mouthpiece of Australia, as baseless and childish.
The Government spokesman, Richard Kaltongga made the statement, saying the VP's leaders are puppets of foreign governments.
Mr Natapei says Australia is the largest contributor to economic development in Vanuatu and as the head of VP, he recognises Australia's invaluable assistance to the country.
He says the Government's closeness to Indonesia could be described as being tied to a foreign government, while people in West Papua are being tortured and killed.
