SOLOMON IS: RAMSI 'can accommodate change'
Updated
The Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI, is confident the regional assistance mission can accommodate suggestions made by Prime Minister Derek Sikua. That was the view expressed by Committee spokesman Young Vivian - the Premier and Foreign Minister of Niue. He was speaking on Friday at the opening of the inaugural meeting of the Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI. Mr Vivian made the comments in response to an earlier address by Solomons Prime Minister Derek Sikua -- who's called for his country to take a greater role in RAMSI operations.
Presenter: Evan Wasuka
Speakers: Niue's Premier and Foreign Minister Young Vivian, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua
WASUKA: Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua told the gathering of foreign ministers from Niue, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Australia that his government is fully committed to be a credible partner to RAMSI. But Dr Sikua says that changes need to be made to improve RAMSI's operations.
SIKUA: RAMSI needs to realise its activities and functions, to support the Solomon Islands Government initiatives and the development policies and priorities. In particular, our rural development policies and strategies. It is also necessary that RAMSI change its reporting procedures by reporting to the Solomon Island Government first before both parties report to the forum. These steps are important to avoid perceptions that RAMSI is operating a parallel administration with its own programs. In addition, it should always be noted that Solomon Islands is the main stakeholder on RAMSI.
WASUKA: Although the Sikua Government has yet to endorse the RAMSI task force report, he says his government will not follow the previous administration's decision to address the report outright.
SIKUA: My government has rescinded the decision by the last government to reject the report. Furthermore, we have acknowledged and taken note of the report. A parliamentary select committee will be established to further deliberate on the report and its recommendations. This process is part and parcel of the resolution passed by our parliament last year to undertake a review of RAMSI, including the review of the facilitation of the International Assistance Act. The rationale or intentions behind the review of RAMSI is pretty obvious. The situation now is different from what it was when RAMSI came in 2003.
WASUKA: Niue's premier and Foreign Minister, Young Vivian says it's too early to respond Dr Sikua's calls for changes to RAMSI. However, Mr Young welcomed the move by Honiara to give further support to RAMSI.
YOUNG: One thing that I am heartened with and most grateful for is the fact that you have assured us that you and your government will work together with RAMSI and Forum to be able to achieve the things that you have just mentioned. I'm sure Mr Prime Minister that with God's help, we will be able to do it. We can do it. And this Standing Committee is an important one. It's the first one made by the leaders. My understanding of the leaders is that they have the will to help, to work together.
