Fiji, July 23 -- The Vanuatu Government has condemned the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs over its criticism of the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as the new Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), describing the stance as discriminatory and calling for a public apology.

In a statement, the government said it was "deeply disappointed" by a front-page article published in the Daily Post that featured the Malvatumauri's opposition to Dr Naupa's appointment.

The government stressed that the appointment was made through an independent regional process.

"Let us be absolutely clear: this appointment is not a Vanuatu Government appointment. Dr Anna Naupa was selected through a rigorous, independent MSG panel process in...