MSG chair discusses membership in Vila

The chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group has arrived in Port Vila for discussions that cover membership guidelines.

Manasseh Sogavare, who is the Solomon Islands prime minister, is in the Vanuatu capital as part of his second MSG capitals' visit in his capacity as chair.

Mr Sogavare's office said that revised criteria for observer status and associate membership guidelines within the MSG will be discussed and endorsed.

This comes as the MSG considers a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua which currently has observer status in the MSG.

Indonesia, which has associate member status, is opposed to elevating the West Papuans' status and the issue has proved difficult for MSG full members to settle on.

The full members are Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanaks Movement.

Also on the cards for discussions is the matter of operations of the MSG's Port Vila-based secretariat which has struggled for funding and resources in the last couple of years.

While in Vila, the MSG Chair will be meeting with both the Vanuatu Prime Minister and FLNKS spokesperson.

Mr Sogavare and delegation will be departing on Wednesday for Suva, Fiji.