PM confirms Fiji to be handed MSG Chairmanship

Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has confirmed that Fiji will be handed the Chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group next week.

However it is expected to be handed from Vanuatu to the Solomon Islands and then to Fiji.

All this is expected to happen in one day.

Speaking to Fijivillage, Commodore Bainimarama said this seems to be a face-saving exercise for the Vanuatu Prime Minister, Edward Natapei who did not hand over the MSG Chairmanship to Commodore Bainimarama as earlier required.

Earlier this week, Natapei remained adamant and told Pacific Beat that Fiji should not be allowed to take the Chair.

He took this stand three months ago, saying that he will not hand over the Chairmanship to an unelected leader, and that the MSG should be committed to democracy and good governance.

Commodore Bainimarama said the issue in relation to the Chairmanship has been discussed in New York and the matter will be fully addressed in Solomon Islands next week.

But he says Fiji will definitely be handed the Chair of the MSG.