Vanuatu's opposition leader Ralph Regenvanu has urged countries who support Pacific regionalism to take action to help stop Micronesia leaving the Pacific Forum.
His call comes after Nauru, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia decided to initiate the formal process of withdrawing from the Forum.
The leaders of these countries said that by overlooking Micronesia's candidate in the appointment of a new Forum secretary general, South Pacific countries dishonoured a "gentleman's agreement" to rotate the post evenly among sub-regions.
Regenvanu, an experienced leader in the Foreign Affairs portfolio, says he understands Micronesia's frustration.
Winston Peters and Ralph Regenvanu Photo: RNZ Pacific/koro Vaka'uta
