Nauru president David Adeang failed to show up in Aitutaki yesterday, where forum leaders were due for a retreat aboard the Vaka Teariki Moana.
Mr Adeang and his delegates walked out of the Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting earlier in the day after a “discussion” was introduced on the appointment of the new secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Based on the Suva Agreement that was signed this year, current secretary-general Henry Puna will continue in his role until next year, at which point the designated Micronesian candidate, Baron Waqa of Nauru will assume the position.
Nauru was looking to formalise this arrangement at the leader’s retreat, however, when the issue popped up on the plenary agenda yesterday, the Nauru delegation walked out of the meeting.
When asked whether he knew Mr Waqa was facing an alleged criminal investigation in his country, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said, “The forum does not look into the caliber, we look at the nominating country and it depends on the nominating country and whatever allegations come up against the person, has to be dealt with within the jurisdiction of that nominating country”.
He said Nauru should come to the discussion table at the retreat in Aitutaki.
“If he (Waqa) is nominated at the retreat, then we will vote.”
Nauru belongs to the Micronesian block of countries alongside the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu and Kiribati. Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr said Micronesian leaders “pledged our support in February and we will continue to support (Waqa)”.
“As the Micronesians, it’s our responsibility to put up a name.
“We believe that the process was followed. If there’s still more questions to be had, he’s here to answer.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also said he wasn’t aware there was a walkout by Nauru.
“I’m not aware of that. What I’ve seen is a great deal of unity.
“I had a discussion with the new president of Nauru this morning. It was a great opportunity to congratulate him on his election. We’ll work through the issues at the Pacific Island Forum. What I’ve seen, and what I’ve heard, emphasised by all the leaders who’ve spoken, and every country has spoken this morning during the plenary session and then informally as well.
“There is a great deal of unity of purpose.”
