Chiefs in Vanuatu have endorsed the national land reform resolutions, saying they meet the needs of indigenous people.
The Malfatumauri National Council of Chiefs held its annual merting yesterday and praised the proposed reforms of the new lands minister, Ralph Regenvanu.
The former chairman of the council, Chief Paul Tahi, says the resolutions reflected 20 resolutions of the first ever national land summit in 2006 as well as the resolutions his council made in 2011.
Chief Tahi says his people have accepted Mr Regenvanu's initiative because they want to deal with the land issue in customary ways and not through the western court system.
"They were very happy and also the national council has agreed fully and supports the minister to table this bill in the next Parliament sitting."
Chief Paul Tahi says the new law, if passed, will give more power to customary landowners, particularly if it's written in their own language.
