A former Vanuatu president, Jean-Marie Leye, has died at the age of 82.
The government has issued a statement, saying his casket will today be taken to the Chief Nakamal, Parliament and a Port Vila church.
Mr Leye, who was from Aneityum, was a politician of the Francophone Union of Moderate Parties and became a member of parliament.
He was president from 1994 to 1999.
During his tenure he was briefly kidnapped and flown out of Port Vila by members of the Vanuatu Mobile Force as part of their attempt to settle a pay dispute.
050514. Photo supplied. Pacific flags. Vanuatu Photo: supplied
