Nauru's delegation to the Pacific Island Forum in Rarotonga has left the country this morning on board a private charter jet after refusing to attend the leaders' retreat today.
The delegation of 10 people, including President David Adeang and Baron Waqa, the man expected to be named as the forum secretary-general later this afternoon, were on board.
Speaking exclusively to 1News shortly before departure, Baron Waqa said Nauru had not attended the leaders' retreat on the island of Aitutaki today due to a misunderstanding.
1News’ Barbara Dreaver reports from the Cook Islands as the Nauru delegation left on a private charter flight. (Source: 1News)
However, he said Nauru was looking forward to being part of the Pacific Islands Forum family in the future.
1News asked Adeang why he had refused to attend the leaders' retreat but he refused to comment.
The rift between Nauru and the other island countries erupted yesterday after Adeang thought Waqa's appointment as forum leader was being questioned. He stormed out of the plenary meeting.
However, the regional leaders just wanted to discuss the process of electing a secretary-general. All attempts to negotiate with Adeang failed, leading to the entire delegation's departure this morning.
The island nation is set to retain some form of sovereignty. (Source: 1News)
Waqa's appointment is seen as controversial as he is being investigated by Australian police for allegedly taking bribes.
He also sacked judges in Nauru and imposed severe restrictions on media in the past.
SHARE ME