Sope s history lesson
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Vanuatu’s former Roving Ambassador and former Prime Minister, Barak Sope, has disputed claims that the late Sir Michael Somare was a supporter of West Papua.
Sope says it is important that original political leaders including PNG former Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, former Commander of the PNG Kumul Force, Commander Ted Diro who led his army to crush the Santo Rebellion, and former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who are still alive today know that their contributions towards peace and freedom in the Pacific are recognised and respected.
He says while Sir Michael was in Opposition, he did not agree to send PNG troops to Vanuatu to quell the Santo Rebellion.
Vanuatu MP Bruno Leingkon being sworn in as the country s Climate Change minister.
Photo: Hilaire Bule
Two charges relate to breaches of aviation security and one to Vanuatu s leadership code.
They stem from an incident a year ago involving Leingkon on a flight chartered specifically to fly him from Santo in Vanuatu s north to the capital Port Vila.
The minister was displaying signs of intoxication when he boarded the plane, before consuming more alcohol and attempting to smoke a cigarette in the cabin.
The female pilot was instructed by the control tower in Port Vila to return to Santo five minutes after takeoff due to the behaviour of the minister, and concerns for the security of the passengers and the aircraft.