Melanesian Spearhead Group rejects claims made by Fiji

The Melanesian Spearhead Group has rejected claims made by the interim Fiji government that Vanuatu had acted alone in calling off next week's summit in Nadi.

The MSG chair, Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natepai, deferred the meeting at which the chair was to pass to Fiji interim Prime Minister Voreqw Commodore Bainimarama, saying it would undermine the MSG's commitment to democracy and good governance, Radio New Zealand International reported on Wednesday.

Fiji's Foreign Ministry claims it still has the backing of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to hold the meeting and that Natapei had options for resolving his concerns over the chairmanship.

But the MSG secretariat in Port Vila said Natapei has been fully backed by the Solomons and PNG leaders.

It said Natapei will retain the chair in the meantime.

Source: Xinhua