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AP/ Pacnews
Mon, 28 Jan 2008
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND ---- The Solomon Islands' new leader said his government wanted an Australian-led international security force to stay and help keep the peace in his troubled South Pacific country, Associated Press reports
Prime Minister Derek Sikua said his government would like the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to stay until the country is able to maintain law and order on its own.
The request reversed the previous government's stance and was expected to end a standoff, sparked by Sikua's predecessor, with Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Sikua, speaking after meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, said his country was now “fairly settled” after a period of civil unrest.
“I've assured the prime minister that my government can be trusted with RAMSI, but we would like to make RAMSI work for the long-term benefit of the Solomon Islands and its people,” he told reporters.
Dr Sikua was making his first visits to Australia and New Zealand following his election by the nation's parliament in December, when he replaced former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in a confidence vote.
The RAMSI force went to the Solomon Islands in 2003 at the invitation of the then-government to help end several years of ethnic violence in which more than 200 died.
Mr Sogavare, elected premier in 2006, raised hackles by constantly criticizing the security force as a form of Australian colonialism and demanding a time schedule for its removal.
He further strained ties with Australia the biggest aid donor and most powerful country near the impoverished South Pacific region by appointing Australian citizen Julian Moti as the Solomon Islands' attorney general. Moti, who is wanted in Australia on child sex charges, was deported to Australia within days of Sikua taking power.
Dr Sikua held talks in Australia's capital, Canberra, with the country's new leader Kevin Rudd before flying to New Zealand.
“I'm really encouraged by the level of support he (Rudd) has shown to my government and the ongoing initiatives Australia has with the Solomon Islands,” Dr Sikua said.
PM Clark praised Dr Sikua for giving top priority to meeting with regional partners.
New Zealand will work with the new Solomon Islands Government «very constructively on a way ahead for the regional mission, she said.
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