The Pacific Islands Forum has faced a warning that the region must remain united as it holds one of the most consequential meetings in its history. ShubaSKrishnan
Last year, Kiribati was among several Micronesian nations who signalled their intention to leave the forum when their preferred candidate for secretary-general lost a tight vote to former Cook Islands leader Henry Puna.
The nations were brought back into the fold last month, in a deal that would see Henry Puna finish his term and be replaced by a Micronesian leader in the next vote. It was expected that this deal would be signed at the meeting in Suva, Fiji's capital, this week. “It is meant to be a reminder to us all that our solidarity and unity as a region is dependent on how we treat each other with profound respect and understanding as we work through the challenges we face as a region,” he wrote.
“We already have a secretary-general in office and it's not the Pacific way to try and get rid of somebody who has already been elected. To allow him to serve out his term, then to get our turn after that, I thought that was quite a good compromise.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Morning Briefing: India's growing population, Sri Lanka to elect new president and US gun safety lawsFrom Kiribati's Pacific Islands Forum withdrawal to household spending, these are the stories making headlines in Australia and around the world:
Read more »
China influenced Kiribati exit from Pacific Islands Forum, MP claimsOpposition leader calls withdrawal from PIF an ‘extreme move’ and claims the reasons offered by Kiribati’s president were just excuses
Read more »
China influenced Kiribati exit from Pacific Islands Forum, MP claimsOpposition leader calls withdrawal from PIF an ‘extreme move’ and claims the reasons offered by Kiribati’s president were just excuses
Read more »
Australia prepares for likelihood of climate refugees, backs push for UN justiceAustralia is set to back Vanuatu’s Pacific Islands Forum push to send climate change inaction to the International Court of Justice, while Kiribati pulled out of the meeting. ErykBagshaw
Read more »
Australia prepares for likelihood of climate refugees, backs push for UN justiceAustralia is set to back Vanuatu’s Pacific Islands Forum push to send climate change inaction to the International Court of Justice, while Kiribati pulled out of the meeting.
Read more »
Pacific Islands Forum rocked by Kiribati's sudden withdrawalIn a leaked letter, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau outlined four reasons for his nation's withdrawal from the regional body.
Read more »