Ti Vanuatu Restates Coup Risk Amid Police Woes

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=59590

PORT VILA (Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch): The president of the Vanuatu chapter of Transparency International, Marie Noelle Ferrieux-Patterson, has no regrets over her statement that if political corruption is not dealt with, the country could face a coup, Radio NZ International reports.

The prime minister’s spokesman, Simeon Athy, took issue with the comment saying it was irresponsible, could undermine investment and that she might be investigated.

But Ferrieux-Patterson says she was reflecting what people tell her organisation and the lack of action by the country’s political leaders after two reports that have been scathingly critical of police behaviour.

She says it is important there is open discussion of the issues and she has already spoken with the Prime Minister, Sato Kilman.