25 Apr 2016

PNG calls for new appointment of MSG head

2:55 pm on 25 April 2016
Fiji Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola

Fiji Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

Papua New Guinea says it doesn't recognise Fiji's Amena Yauvoli as the new director general of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Mr Yauvoli's selection was announced at the start of the month by Fiji's Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and later confirmed by the MSG chairman, Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

But this anouncement was not welcomed by Vanuatu with its council of Ministers refusing to accept the choice.

Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Fred Yakasa confirmed PNG had written to Mr Sogavare, calling for a new selection process to be undertaken.

"It is not an issue of the candidate but I think the issue is with the process where all leaders come together and have a consensus as to who should be the director for the MSG."

A special MSG leaders summit is scheduled for late next week.