New twist in Vanuatu vs New Caledonia islands dispute

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Updated July 30, 2009 15:58:36

A diplomatic standoff between France and Vanuatu over the ownership of the two tiny uninhabited islands Matthew and Hunter has erupted again. The islands are claimed by both Vanuatu and New Caledonia. At the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Port Vila recently, the New Caledonian Kanak delegation, led by pro-independence leader Victor Tutugoro, signed a document with the Vanuatu prime minister, Edward Natapei, acknowledging Vanuatu's ownership of the islands. That's angered politicians in New Caledonia who say the Kanak delegation had no right to do it.

Associate Professor of Politics at Auckland University, Dr Steve Hoadley, says there are issues of national pride and fishing rights at stake, but there's little risk of any direct diplomatic clash.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Dr Steve Hoadley, Associate Professor of Politics at Auckland University

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