There are moves within the Melanesian Spearhead Group to support the candidacy of the Fijian diplomat, Kaliopate Tavola, for the position of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
PACNEWS reports the support has been endorsed by the MSG Foreign Affairs Ministers who Mr Tavola recently accompanied on a special mission to Indonesia to discuss issues about West Papua.
An un-named MSG official says Mr Tavola is the right choice for the MSG because he commands respect regionally and internationally.
Mr Tavola has confirmed he's aware of the move by the MSG but would not comment further.
He was recently appointed the Higher Representative of the Melanesia Spearhead Group, a special envoy who will push the MSG's interests abroad.
The term of the Forum's current Secretary General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade comes to an end this year.
