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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Condemns Attacks in Solomon Islands

19 April 2006

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has condemned attacks on civilians and security forces following recently concluded successful elections in Solomon Islands. He has also called for calm and restraint, and the immediate restoration of law and order.

The following is the full text of his statement issued today:

'I am seriously concerned by news of civil disturbances in Honiara following the election of the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

I strongly condemn the actions of those responsible for attacks on individual citizens and members of the security forces, as well as for the destruction of property. These actions are not acceptable behaviour in any corner of the Commonwealth.

The civil disturbances are particularly unfortunate given that the Solomon Islands recently concluded successful national elections on 5 April, observed by international and domestic observers. A Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Arnold Amet, was part of the international observer presence in Solomon Islands.

We welcome the support given by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to restore order. RAMSI is an important regional initiative, of which Solomon Islands is a part.

The people of Solomon Islands have worked hard in recent years to restore their country to sustainable peace and put it on a path to renewed prosperity. Those efforts should not now be undermined by those who pursue their goals through other than peaceful and democratic means.

The Commonwealth is united by the adherence of all its members to the principles of democracy and human rights. It is of critical importance that the provisions of the Constitution of Solomon Islands are respected fully and upheld, and that the rule of law prevails.

Honiara is also home to the Commonwealth's Youth Centre for the Pacific region. We remain concerned for the welfare of our staff, and are keeping in close contact with them.

I call on all concerned to show calm and restraint and desist from acts of violence. The Commonwealth urges the immediate restoration of law and order and respect for the rule of law by all in Solomon Islands.'

 

Note to Editors:

The Commonwealth was engaged for many years in brokering peace among communities in Solomon Islands, leading to the Honiara Peace Accord and Panatina Agreement in 1999, and the Townsville Peace Agreement of 2000. In 2006, at the request of the Government of Solomon Islands, the Commonwealth Secretary-General established a Commonwealth Observer Group for the 5 April general election. The Group's report has just been forwarded to the Secretary-General and will be made public once it has been sent to the Solomon Islands Government, political parties, and all Commonwealth governments.

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