As a result of discussions over the past 18 months between the Malvatumauri National
Council of Chiefs and the Australian and Vanuatu governments, AustrailaAID announced
in early April that it will give AUD$77,000 (US$59,293)to support the chiefs
through a program at the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at
the University of Queensland. According to the Port Vila Presse, all parties
have agreed the foundation of the development process in Vanuatu is "regular
dialogue, effective participation and mutual respect." This program is part
of the 2005-2010 Australia-Vanuatu Joint Development Cooperation Strategy.
