HONIARA, Solomon Islands (8 June 2000) -- Navy vessels from Australia and New Zealand are on the way to the Solomon Islands to evacuate Australians, New Zealanders and other nationals. A fierce battle broke out on Wednesday between the Malaita Eagles militia group and the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) and as many as 100 were reported killed in the fighting. Analysts fear that the conflict between the two clan militias could escalate into a full scale civil war. The Australian ship is expected to arrive today (Thursday) and the New Zealand ship on Saturday. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
