INSTANT –
Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister called Micronesia’s threat to leave the Pacific Islands Forum worrying.
The statement came at the end of their Micronesian Leaders Summit and said the five countries would leave the Forum if their candidate for the regional group’s Secretary General was not given a role.
They indicated there had been a “respectable agreement” that the next Secretary General would be from Micronesia.
After this week’s Pacific Foreign Ministers Conference, the chairman of the meeting, Simon Kofe of Tuvalu, said the situation was unfavorable.
Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Papua New Guinea’s Dame Meg Taylor ends her term as General Secretary in January.
His replacement is expected to be announced next month.
Simon Kofe said the process was a challenge but most importantly, the aim was to maintain solidarity in the region.
Although he did not provide details on the electoral process, Kofe said there was great interest from member states competing for the position.
“The process will be decided by the leaders. But in terms of dates, we are looking at November. The majority of members have expressed their preference for the first week of November.”
Kofe said member states were expected to cast their choices in elections for a new secretary general before the weekend.
The position is one of two main issues discussed at this week’s conference of Pacific Foreign Ministers.
Kofe said the discussion also centered around the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: provided
