Who will be the Pacific Forum Secretary General?

The Pacific Islands Leaders Forum begins in Auckland tomorrow and one of the items on the agenda is the position of the Forum Secretary General.

Current Secretary General, Tuiloma Slade's first three year term comes to an end this year and he has written to the Forum Chair and Vanuatu Prime Minister, Sato Kilman that he intends to take up the second three year term.

The Forum Secretary General can serve up to two terms if the Forum leaders approve the proposal put forward by the position holder.

The leaders are expected to discuss whether Slade should be given the chance to continue.

However the Melanesian countries definitely want a change.

Fiji's call for the removal of Tuiloma Slade has been unanimously agreed by the Melanesian countries.

Following the special Melanesian Spearhead Group last week, members endorsed Fiji's Kaliopate Tavola to be the MSG nominee for the post.

The decision has been supported by Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the FLNKS of New Caledonia.

Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Shanel said they are happy and satisfied with their nominee.

He said the MSG thinks Tavola is the suitable person for the job.

Story by: Vijay Narayan