Vanuatu’s prime minister, Sato Kilman, has sacked his justice minister, Ralph Regenvanu, reports Radio New Zealand.

Mr Regenvanu has confirmed his dismissal to the Daily Post Newspaper but says the termination letter failed to give a reason.

There is speculation that the prime minister is unhappy that Mr Regenvanu has been opposed to moves to join the World Trade Organisation.

Mr Regenvanu scored the highest number of votes in urban Port Vila in the last general election.

He says he is looking forward to the general election later this year.