Monday, March 26, 2007. 6:47pm (AEST)

South Pacific bloc signs constitution

By Campbell Cooney

More than 20 years after it was established, a South Pacific diplomatic grouping called the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has signed a constitution.

The leaders of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands signed the constitution of the MSG last week.

When formed in 1986, the MSG's role was to ease trade between the island nations.

The current head of the group's secretariat, Johnny Koanapo, says it will will give its members a united voice on political and regional issues.

The group has already voice its support for Fiji's interim Government, and criticised Australia and New Zealand for attacking it.

ABC

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1882022.htm