20 Jan 2011

Vanuatu report on corruption 'first of its kind'

4:26 pm on 20 January 2011

A report in Vanuatu which accuses the Minister of Lands of corruption is the first of its kind.

The prime minister, Sato Kilman has received the report, which warns that tension is still high over land deals that have gone through without proper consent of custom and land owners.

It involves the Minister of Lands Harry Iauko, the former Lands Minister Maxime Carlot Korman and former senior land officials.

Our correspondent, Len Garae, says it will be an interesting test for the new prime minister.

"He has been stressing to his cabinet the importance of being transparent and [showing] responsibility and he will not tolerate any wrong-doings by his government and if his ministers are implicated in any way then they have to respond."

Len Garae says he understands the Minister of Lands is preparing to address the criticisms in the report.