Former Cook Islands leader, Henry Puna, says there is no need for a battle over who should become the new secretary general at the Pacific Islands Forum.
Puna, who retired to be replaced by Mark Brown last week, is one of the five candidates for the Forum job.
Henry Puna Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Johnny Blades
Last week the President of Palau, Tommy Remengesau, said if the Micronesian candidate, Gerald Zackios from the Marshall Islands, didn't get the job, then the Micronesian states should consider pulling out of the Forum.
Mr Puna said a threat like that was very unfortunate.
"Because talking with most of the leaders around the region, yes they acknowledge that there is a basis for pushing that but given the times that we are now in, you know with the challenges of Covid-19 and also the meltdown of the economies in the region, the feeling is that we need to have the right person to drive the region," he said.
Micronesia considers it's its turn to hold the secretary general's position.
In addition to Puna and Zackios, the candidates are Solomon Islands Dr Jimmy Rodgers, Fiji's Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Tongan economist, Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua.