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Wed, 1 Sep 2010
SUVA, Fiji (FIJI SUN) ---- Fiji has temporarily suspended itself from all the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) formal meetings.
“I affirm Fiji’s position that it will temporarily stand aside from participating in MSG formal meetings, said Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
“This is to allow MSG leaders the necessary breathing space and autonomy to resolve the outstanding issue of the chairmanship of the MSG due to the deferred MSG Leaders Summit before its formal re-engagement in MSG forums,” Ratu Inoke said.
Fiji was to replace Vanuatu as chair of the regional group at the MSG Leaders Summit that was initially scheduled to be held in Natadola, Fiji, in July.
“There is a tacit understanding among the MSG Leaders that this issue will need to be resolved in the spirit of the Melanesian tradition of mutual compromise and respect for each other’s sovereignty, before the MSG countries (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and FLNKS of New Caledonia) continue with business as usual,” Ratu Inoke said.
He reiterated that the MSG countries have come out stronger, not only as a prominent and influential sub-regional group in the Pacific Region, but more importantly as individual nations.
Ratu Inoke said that in respecting this decision, Fiji will temporarily opt out of MSG sub-committee meetings, MSG Officials meetings and other formal MSG meetings.
“Without the general oversight of the MSG leaders, these meetings will not be able to make much progress in advancing MSG issues, therefore it was essential that the issue of chairmanship is resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all MSG members,” he added.
Ratu Inoke, however, noted that Fiji will participate in the Melanesian Arts Festival in Kone, New Caledonia, this month.
No comments could be obtained from the prime ministers of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on the issue.
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