HONIARA, Solomon Islands (29 Oct 2001) -- The Solomon Islands, struck by a coup last year and facing an election in less than five weeks, has made an urgent appeal to Australia for assistance with policing its deteriorating security environment. An Australian and New Zealand government delegation has been warned by virtually all sectors of the South Pacific nation that a declining law-and-order situation could not be arrested by the indigenous police force while those officers involved in the coup retained their guns and badges. The delegation, headed by Department of Foreign Affairs deputy secretary David Ritchie, will make an urgent representation to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer early this week. It is the second time the Solomons Islands has requested urgent assistance with policing. A request for Australian police by the previous prime minister, Bart Ulufa'alu, was rejected by Canberra just weeks before last year's coup. Solomon Islands police chief Morton Sireheti told the delegation last week that his cash-strapped force was no longer able to operate in a disciplined and integrated manner. | | Solomon Islands rebel Peace Monitoring Council chairman Peter Kenilorea told the delegation that the disarmament of militants and police involved in the coup could not succeed under the current arrangements. "In four weeks we have what will possibly be the most important election in our country's history. This election must not be marred by threats, violence and crime," Sir Peter said. "Those that pursue these avenues must be brought to justice." SOURCE - PINA |
