The president of Palau said the pause on Micronesia's pending withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum is the last chance for leaders in the south to set things right.
Last year after a falling out over the candidacy for Forum secretary general, five northern Pacific states initiated formal withdrawal processes which begin taking effect in June.
But after a meeting last Friday Micronesian leaders announced they were pausing their withdrawal because they had been given an undertaking that by June their concerns would be addressed.
The main concern for the Micronesian leaders is that their man was overlooked in favour of Mr Puna, contravening a gentlemen's agreement that the post would go to a Micronesian.
The president of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr said he is open to a resolution but will not stand on ceremony if one is not forthcoming.
"Our community of course want to see us, if we can resolve an issue resolve it. However, they also want us to be firm and be clear and not be taken for granted. So once again we are going to trust the gentlemen's agreement and build on that," he said.
Surangel Whipps jr Photo: Facebook
The expectation based on reports from the Federated States of Micronesia is that Henry Puna is set to leave the secretary general post by mid year but may retain the post of Pacific Ocean Commissioner, possibly based in Auckland.
But the Forum secretariat says it cannot comment.
Officials say they are "unable to make any comments on the high level political dialogue, which is ongoing."
This is what has been conveyed to RNZ Pacific by the Federated States of Micronesia: "The spokesperson for the FSM Government said the Chair of the Micronesian Presidents Summit, President Lionel Aingimea of the Republic of Nauru, relayed to FSM President David W. Panuelo that he had conversations with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and that both requested Micronesia to please consider pausing their withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum, on the premise that Mr. Puna will be stepping down in June."
Comment was sought from the New Zealand Government but all the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to say is: "New Zealand supports ongoing regional efforts to maintain the unity of the Pacific Islands Forum. We welcome the announcement by FSM to pause its plans to withdraw from the Forum while discussions continue."
