Sogavare slams MSG

Manasseh Sogavare described the current MSG as a ‘laughing stock’.

Editor's Desk

MEMBER of Parliament (PM) for East Choiseul Constituency Manasseh Sogavare said the postponement of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) biannual leaders summit for the second time as just a tip of the iceberg in a systematic deterioration affecting the group.


He also described the current MSG as a ‘laughing stock’.

He made the comments yesterday after the proposed meeting set for this week was put on halt.

“This postponement may clearly be a systematic deterioration in the group’s resolve to stay united on issues affecting the Melanesia.

Sogavare said he did not blame Prime Minister Danny Phillips for requesting a postponement.

“Why do Solomon Islands be used as reconciliation ground for a blunder deliberately created by the current Chairman of MSG.

“As a matter of fact MSG has lost its coerciveness and has failed to be a collective voice of Melanesia on regional issues.

“It has hopelessly succumed to the pressure of external forces that always strive to destroy the organisation since its establishment.

“It is disappointing to note that these forces are seen to be winning,” he said.

Prime Minister of Vanuatu Edward Natapei is currently the Chair of MSG.

The former Prime Minister said MSG is now become a laughing stock.

“If we are not careful it will become an avenue through external interest will continue to undermine our resolve to put up a united front on regional issues through the mechanism of divide and rule.

“It is a shame for Melanesian leaders to simply fall aprt on the issue of Fiji’s chairmanship of the meeting.

“This shows how far removed and disinterest Melanesian Leaders are in understanding the position of Fiji.

“In other words, MSG has failed Fiji,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He pointed out that the Fiji issue can only be effectively addressed through active dialogue, consultation, and understanding and not isolationism.

“Leaders must understand that MSG is the only entity that is better placed in the region to engage Fiji in this dialogue.

“The leader of MSG must not confuse themselves with the wider agenda of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) in their dealing with each other on issues pertinent to Melanesia,” he said.

He added, MSG have a duty to handle the Fiji situation with the utmost sensitivity it deserves without being influenced by the wider agenda of the forum which has mishandled the situation in Fiji right from the very beginning.

Sogavare who was also a former Opposition leader in the last parliament stressed that the situation in Fiji is real, adding the issues that the interim government in tirelessly addressing are real and no amount of our concern to return Fiji to democracy ahead of a time scheduled agreeable to the Fiji Government would address.

“The MSG leaders must be prepared and deal with reality as far as Fiji concern, failing which they will join the queue of other Forum Leaders who suffer from idealism in their dealings with Fiji,” he said.