Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato has lashed out on article that appeared in the Fiji Sun newspaper. Mr Pato was concerned about comments made about the selection of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General.
“I was concerned to read an article in the Fiji Sun on 04 August 2014 relating to the selection of the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. “It is important to be aware of the facts when making claims in the media as inaccurate assertions can undermine relations between friends.” He said Dame Meg Taylor was proposed by Papua New Guinea as a candidate for the post of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. This nomination was presented with the knowledge of all forum nations, including Melanesian Spearhead Group members, and relevant discussions were held between Leaders and Ministers. He said while Fiji did nominate a candidate, this application was not successful due to technical irregularities in the application, compounded by the fact that Fiji is currently suspended from the Forum. “It should be pointed out that after the Micronesian candidate withdrew, the two contenders for the position were from the Melanesian countries of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. “In order to ensure transparency, PM O’Neill and PM Darcy Lilo of the Solomon Islands did not participate in the deliberation and decision that resulted in the selection of Dame Meg Taylor.” The relationship between Papua New Guinea and Fiji is strong and deep, with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill going to significant lengths to maintain engagement with Fiji during recent regional discord. “I would hope the people of the people of Fiji are aware of the strength of friendship that we share through government, business and cultural exchange,” Mr Pato said. PNG Facts/ Post Courier Comments are closed.
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