SOLOMON IS: Government and Ramsi reaffirm commitment.
Updated
The Solomon Islands government has re-affirmed its commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI, as high level regional meetings get underway in Honiara. The fact that the talks are even taking place has been hailed as a success - after last year's meeting was cancelled by then Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare because of continued differences with RAMSI.
Presenter: Sam Seke
Speakers: Forum representative and secretary to Niue's Premier Crossley Tatui; Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister William Haomae
SEKE: The Australian-led Regional Mission was asked by the Kemekeza government in 2003 to intervene in Solomon Islands after years of ethnic conflict which brought the country to its knees. Since then law and order had been restored, government institutions have been strengthened, and the collapsed economy has recovered. But relations with RAMSI soured under the last government of Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, who said the mission had too much power under the Act of Parliament through which RAMSI was deployed. Mr Sogavare went so far as to cancel the RAMSI parties' consultative meeting which were to have been held prior to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga last October. Mr Sogavare also boycotted the Forum meeting, choosing to visit Taiwan instead.
Today Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister William Haomae addressed the meeting of senior officials from the Solomon Islands government, the Forum and RAMSI, saying his government is fully committed to RAMSI. However he said the talks this week need to address some outstanding issues.
HAOMAE: There were parties when the partnership was challenged with misunderstandings and differences of opinions. Be that as it may, I wish to reassure you that the Coalition for national unity and rule advancement government, pledges high priority in dialogue and consultation to this partnership. I am sure that we will discuss the issues frankly, with a view to resolve any outstanding matters and define the process that will provide the impetus to this partnership. The issue of capacity building and sustainability of the programs undertaken under RAMSI must be properly assessed, as this will also provide the yard stick for us to measure whether the programs are successful and a capacity has been developed, and is sustainable in the longer term. The joint strategy as proposed is an important approach where parties could work together on a framework that would allow the program of RAMSI to be considered alongside the priorities of the government. It will provide us with the foundation where an exit strategy can be formulated based on the achievement of sustainability of the sub-sectors and sectors.
SEKE: Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister, William Haomae. Forum representative and secretary to Niue's Premier Crossley Tatui says RAMSI is committed to assisting Solomon Islands.
TATUI: We applaud the hard work and sacrifice by the Solomon Islands Government, by RAMSI, in the leadership and coordination roles. The contributions by the Forum members on the ground. We are all proud of the results thus far. Perhaps one year ago, RAMSI's goal was a bit clouded, and struggling to gain visibility and recognition. However, today we learn that RAMSI is getting better by day, with the strong commitment by the partners and the people of Solomon Islands, a commitment to equity, respect and better understanding of who we are as a Pacific family. The challenge we believe is to get the right balance through dialogue and diplomacy, to show solidarity and make a difference. Today we have an opportunity to work together to make a meaningful purpose for RAMSI, for the members and our people, but especially the government and people of Solomon Islands.
