The Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister says he's reached agreement with landowners involved in a long-running dispute over Manihiki Island's airport.
The Government had wanted to lease land on the island, to enable the airport to be upgraded.
Last year three people were charged after a protest - involving planting a coconut tree on the runway - against the Government's plans.
But Sir Terepai Maoate says the Government has now agreed to revert to the former arrangement with landowners whereby they retain ownership and allow the land to be used for the airport.
He says landowners also agreed to send a letter to the Police Commissioner asking for the charges against the protestors to be dropped.
"Because they all see the resolution as a kind of creating a peace and sticking to the original agreement by their forefathers."
However, Sir Terepai Maoate says the question of who owns the airport land on Manihiki is an issue still to be resolved.
