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Trouble erupts in Solomons
Eight Australian Federal Police officers on duty in the Solomon Islands have been injured in a riot that broke out as hundreds of rock-throwing protesters tried to storm Parliament House in Honiara.
One officer suffered a fractured skull and a broken jaw. Another had a dislocated shoulder and others had minor injuries. A local guard sustained head injuries.
The Prime Minister, John Howard described the injuries as “deplorable”, but said they did not appear to be life-threatening. Nine Australian police cars were set on fire and others damaged.
“The situation is still quite unsettled,” Mr Howard said of the violence that erupted after MPs chose former deputy leader Snyder Rini as the new Prime Minister, despite a big anti-government swing at the April 5 general election.
“Australia has made a very strong long-term commitment to the future of Solomon Islands at this stage there does not appear to be a need for further forces although if there is they will be sent,” he said.
“I hope the situation stabilises because we do want democracy to work effectively in the Solomons and it has to be possible of course in a democratic society for a change of government, a change of prime minister, to take place without a hostile response.”
Mr Howard said there were no plans to send more forces, but he would if it became necessary. Australia remained committed to peaceful elections and stability in the Solomon Islands.
DFAT today upgraded its security alert for the Solomons.
Graham Muldoon
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