Tuvalu prime minister calls on Australia for sovereignty ‘guarantees’ over treaty

Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo said a controversial security clause in the Falepili Union treaty has led to fears among some in the country that Australia ‘might encroach on Tuvalu’s sovereignty’.
Photograph: Kalolaine Fainu/The Guardian

Tuvalu’s new prime minister, Feleti Teo, wants “guarantees” from Canberra that a landmark treaty with Australia will not undermine his country’s sovereignty.

Teo, who was appointed leader last month, told the Guardian a controversial security clause in the Falepili Union treaty has led to fears among Tuvaluans that Australia “might encroach on Tuvalu’s sovereignty”.