26 May 2010

Vanuatu parliament awaiting VP rift ruling

4:59 pm on 26 May 2010

The speaker of Vanuatu's parliament, Georges Wells, says the leadership conflict within the Vanuaaku Party is to be resolved in court and cannot be decided by parliament.

One VP faction is led by the prime minister, Edward Natapei, while the other is led by Harry Iauko, who has now joined the opposition.

Both politicians claim to be the legitimate party leader.

Mr Wells has sought a declaration from the MPs to declare their affiliations.

An MP from Santo, Marcelino Pepite, had said parliament had to clear the situation before the bills could be debated.

But Mr Wells says the VP leadership issue is with the court.