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Posted: Thursday, December 16th, 2004 3:57 AM HST

Vanuatu's new government changes mind on Taiwan recognition

By Associated Press

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) _ Vanuatu's new government says it has scuttled a deal that the South Pacific nation's former prime minister made granting Taiwan diplomatic recognition. Vanuatu has been at the center of a tussle between Taiwan and China. They split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, and strongly discourages countries from having any official contacts with the island. Last month, Vanuatu Prime Minister Serge Vohor announced a pact granting Taiwan diplomatic recognition. But lawmakers objected to the deal, and Vohor was ousted after a no-confidence vote last Friday. Vanuatu's new foreign minister is Sato Kilman. He says his government has revoked all agreements made by Vohor with Taiwan. (Copyright 2004 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)