HONIARA, Solomon Islands (15 Oct 2000) -- The IFM and MEF militias have signed a peace deal to end a two-year conflict that has claimed over 70 lives. The agreement specifies that outside monitors from Australia and New Zealand with be brought in to ensure an end to fighting. The conflict over land and access to jobs has been simmering for decades between Guadalcanal natives and immigrants from nearby Malaita Island. Violence that erupted in June has toppled the government, shut down dive operations and hotels, and forced foreign companies to pull out of the Solomon Islands. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
