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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General despatches Special Envoy to Solomon Islands

17 June 1999

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, announced today that he has received a request from the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, the Hon Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, inviting him to assist his country in resolving a situation of civil unrest caused by tension between the peoples of the islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita. In response to this invitation, the Secretary-General is sending a Special Envoy, Hon Major-General Sitiveni L Rabuka, former Prime Minister of the Fiji Islands to visit Solomon Islands. The appointment of General Rabuka is a continuation of the Secretary-General's practice of using the services of distinguished Commonwealth personalities in his good offices role.

Chief Anyaoku said that he was deeply disturbed to learn of the situation affecting the people of Solomon Islands. He particularly regretted the incidents involving serious injury and loss of life. It was his sincere hope that General Rabuka would be able to apply his considerable experience and depth of understanding of island affairs to this situation and would be able to communicate with all parties effectively in order to restore peace and stability in the country. In his task, General Rabuka would be assisted by a senior official of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Professor Ade Adefuye.



Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678


99/40 17 June, 1999

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int