6 Aug 2004

Nauru president Scotty to address Forum

6:33 am on 6 August 2004

The recently-elected president of Nauru is to brief leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum.

The secretary-general of the forum, Greg Urwin, says the meeting will consider a proposal to post a forum official on Nauru to offer advice about aid.

Australia is sending officials to Nauru to help the government manage its financial affairs and the few assets left after the loss of overseas investments valued at more nearly US$2 billion.

Australia pays millions of dollars each year to Nauru to house a detention centre for asylum seekers.