HONIARA, Solomon Islands (23 Sep 2000) -- Rebels have refused to release Solomon Airlines pilot, Eric Rove, until their demands for a $400,000 ransom payment are met. Isatabu Freedom Movement rebels are holding Rove and a Britten Norman Islander airplane on the Weather Coast on Guadalcanal where ethnic militias have been fighting over land rights. The Australian frigate, HMAS Newcastle, has arrived in Guadalcanal to assist in negotiations to resolve the hostage crisis and provide neutral territory for warring militias to conduct peace talks. Since the fighting erupted in June, the tourist industry and dive operations have collapsed. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
