Forum Ministerial Standing Committee meet on RAMSI
PRESS STATEMENT (24/09)
15th May 2009
FORUM MINISTERIAL STANDING COMMITTEE MEET ON RAMSI
The Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) on Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) held its third meeting in Honiara on 15 May 2009 to discuss issues concerning the work of RAMSI in Solomon Islands.
The establishment of the FMSC was a principal recommendation of the Forum RAMSI Review Task Force’s Report that was endorsed by Leaders in Tonga in 2007. The FMSC which comprises the past, present and future Forum Chairs plus Solomon Islands and Australia provides oversight and governance to the RAMSI operation. The FMSC is supported by the Enhanced Consultative Mechanism (ECM) Meeting.
Niue’s Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Billy Talagi chaired the meeting, which was attended by the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. William Haomae, Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Hon. Duncan Kerr, Brigadier Tau’aika ’Uta’atu, Commander of the Tongan Defence Services, and H.E Mr. Parai Tamei, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to Solomon Islands. The meeting was also attended by the RAMSI Special Coordinator, Mr. Graeme Wilson and the Pacific Islands Forum Representative to Solomon Islands, Mr. Sakiusa Rabuka.
In his opening remarks, Solomon Islands Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Fred Fono informed the meeting that a Solomon Islands Government (SIG)-RAMSI Partnership Framework had been completed and endorsed by Cabinet on 14 May 2009.
“Solomon Islands view this new Partnership Framework as a living document – a document that emphasizes prioritization while maintaining the original purposes of the mission. It is a document that aims to provide guidance to RAMSI in undertaking its future programmes and activities,” said Mr Fono.
“Let me also emphasise here that this new Framework is an organic document designed to improve our partnership and we can make changes as we go along. I must inform you all that my Government is confident that this Partnership Framework will take cooperation between Solomon Islands and RAMSI to new heights and will foster and consolidate our spirit of cooperation in future.”
Mr Fono added: “The spirit of cooperation and contribution by all stakeholders has been very significant. I wish to thank all participating countries for their dedication to RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government and its people. I acknowledge those who have served and lost their lives in Solomon Islands. They are true Ambassadors of peace for mankind and we are truly grateful for their service.”
The FMSC commended the finalisation of the Partnership Framework as a major milestone in SIG-RAMSI relations. The FMSC welcomed the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to RAMSI and noted the importance of continued regional cooperation to achieve the core priorities of the Partnership Framework.
In an Outcomes Statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, Ministers welcomed the appointments of Mr. Paul Tovua, SIG Permanent Secretary to RAMSI, Mr. Graeme Wilson, RAMSI Special Coordinator and Mr. Sakiusa Rabuka, Forum Representative to Solomon Islands. Ministers also commended the excellent cooperation between the SIG and the RAMSI Special Coordinator and his staff.
Ministers acknowledged the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its successful launching by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in April 2009. Additional key issues that were discussed included the SIG decision to allow RAMSI to brief Cabinet on a regular basis and the successful initial briefing; and the Solomon Islands Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Review of RAMSI;
Ministers warmly welcomed the advice of the Australian Government that it had recently decided to extend its commitment to RAMSI for at least another four years to June 2013. This decision was reached after the Australian Government had completed its consideration of the resource requirements for Australia’s future contribution to RAMSI beyond June 2009.
Ministers also acknowledged the excellent contributions by Mr. Tim George, former RAMSI Special Coordinator and Dr. Lesi Korovavala, former Forum Representative to Solomon Islands, to the work of RAMSI.
It was agreed to reconvene the next FMSC before the end of 2009.
ENDS.
For more information, contact Ms Desna M. Solofa, the Forum Secretariat’s Political Issues Adviser on phone 679 331 2600 or email desnas@forumsec.org.fj
15th May 2009
FORUM MINISTERIAL STANDING COMMITTEE MEET ON RAMSI
The Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) on Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) held its third meeting in Honiara on 15 May 2009 to discuss issues concerning the work of RAMSI in Solomon Islands.
The establishment of the FMSC was a principal recommendation of the Forum RAMSI Review Task Force’s Report that was endorsed by Leaders in Tonga in 2007. The FMSC which comprises the past, present and future Forum Chairs plus Solomon Islands and Australia provides oversight and governance to the RAMSI operation. The FMSC is supported by the Enhanced Consultative Mechanism (ECM) Meeting.
Niue’s Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Billy Talagi chaired the meeting, which was attended by the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. William Haomae, Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Hon. Duncan Kerr, Brigadier Tau’aika ’Uta’atu, Commander of the Tongan Defence Services, and H.E Mr. Parai Tamei, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to Solomon Islands. The meeting was also attended by the RAMSI Special Coordinator, Mr. Graeme Wilson and the Pacific Islands Forum Representative to Solomon Islands, Mr. Sakiusa Rabuka.
In his opening remarks, Solomon Islands Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Fred Fono informed the meeting that a Solomon Islands Government (SIG)-RAMSI Partnership Framework had been completed and endorsed by Cabinet on 14 May 2009.
“Solomon Islands view this new Partnership Framework as a living document – a document that emphasizes prioritization while maintaining the original purposes of the mission. It is a document that aims to provide guidance to RAMSI in undertaking its future programmes and activities,” said Mr Fono.
“Let me also emphasise here that this new Framework is an organic document designed to improve our partnership and we can make changes as we go along. I must inform you all that my Government is confident that this Partnership Framework will take cooperation between Solomon Islands and RAMSI to new heights and will foster and consolidate our spirit of cooperation in future.”
Mr Fono added: “The spirit of cooperation and contribution by all stakeholders has been very significant. I wish to thank all participating countries for their dedication to RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government and its people. I acknowledge those who have served and lost their lives in Solomon Islands. They are true Ambassadors of peace for mankind and we are truly grateful for their service.”
The FMSC commended the finalisation of the Partnership Framework as a major milestone in SIG-RAMSI relations. The FMSC welcomed the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to RAMSI and noted the importance of continued regional cooperation to achieve the core priorities of the Partnership Framework.
In an Outcomes Statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, Ministers welcomed the appointments of Mr. Paul Tovua, SIG Permanent Secretary to RAMSI, Mr. Graeme Wilson, RAMSI Special Coordinator and Mr. Sakiusa Rabuka, Forum Representative to Solomon Islands. Ministers also commended the excellent cooperation between the SIG and the RAMSI Special Coordinator and his staff.
Ministers acknowledged the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its successful launching by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in April 2009. Additional key issues that were discussed included the SIG decision to allow RAMSI to brief Cabinet on a regular basis and the successful initial briefing; and the Solomon Islands Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Review of RAMSI;
Ministers warmly welcomed the advice of the Australian Government that it had recently decided to extend its commitment to RAMSI for at least another four years to June 2013. This decision was reached after the Australian Government had completed its consideration of the resource requirements for Australia’s future contribution to RAMSI beyond June 2009.
Ministers also acknowledged the excellent contributions by Mr. Tim George, former RAMSI Special Coordinator and Dr. Lesi Korovavala, former Forum Representative to Solomon Islands, to the work of RAMSI.
It was agreed to reconvene the next FMSC before the end of 2009.
ENDS.
For more information, contact Ms Desna M. Solofa, the Forum Secretariat’s Political Issues Adviser on phone 679 331 2600 or email desnas@forumsec.org.fj
