The head of Vanuatu's Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs is organising a customary apology to the Prime Minister and his West Papuan guests after a misunderstanding over a welcome ceremony.
The head of Vanuatu's Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs Photo: RNZI/Len Garae
Chief Mol Torvaka Lima Tirsupe has promised such an apology after he arrived late to welcome 50 West Papuan delegates to the Chiefs Nakamal and the facility was locked.
The chief has described the scenario as totally shameful and lacking customary protocol.
He said he thought the ceremony was to being at at nine o'clock but it was changed to seven o'clock without his knowledge.
The West Papuans are in Port Vila for the first summit of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.