By Staff Writer
Samoa is taking a mediatory position to keep Pacific Islands Forum united over the threat by Micronesian state members to pull out in protest at the new Secretary General appointed.
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi assured in an official statement this week to all Forum member countries that Samoa supports the unity of the region.
He wants “all countries to consider where there may be lapses in the way” the Forum operates and that includes the Secretary General appointment.
PM Tuilaepa said he is “committed to the review of the “ 2002 appointment procedures” of the position under a ‘robust process in place’ to ensure equal opportunity for everyone.
The Micronesian grouping argued that it was their turn to appoint a new Secretary General that was the general understanding.
The Forum, however, voted 9-8 in favour of the former Cook Island Prime Minister Henry Puna against a candidate nominated by the Micronesians.
“As experience has now shown, we should no longer rely on ‘past verbal understandings’ as these can be prone to different interpretations,” Tuilaepa pointed out in his statement.
“ I would therefore suggest that the SG [Secretary General] selection process in future should be unambiguous and clear.”
A sub regional rotation system is suggested to guarantee that each sub-group submits the best nomination when it is their turn.
The Prime Minster called for Forum members to “work together to achieve common goals and address common challenges and opportunities based on the belief that more could be achieved together than alone.”
He believed that however …“ intractable and insurmountable our problems may appear, there is always a way, the Pacific Way to reach a solution – unrushed and done in a considered manner with respect for the diversity of leaders’ and members’ viewpoints.
“In my view, situations for which no consensus is apparent can be wholesomely achieved in a face-to-face meeting.
“Let us focus on what binds us together, not on what divides us. It is our sincere hope that the Leaders face-to-face meeting in Fiji will provide that window of opportunity God willing.”
The statement did not mention the ‘face-to-face meeting scheduled in Fiji.