Forum Calls For Calm In Solomons
Forum calls for calm in Solomons 20Apr06
12-06
PRESS STATEMENT
19 Apr 2006 18:26:38
FORUM CALLS FOR CALM IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has called upon Solomon Islanders to renew their commitment to peace, in response to the rioting and looting that have taken place in Honiara this week.
Forum Secretary General Greg Urwin said today, We are deeply concerned about the destruction of property and injury to law enforcement personnel.
For three years the people of the Solomon Islands have worked hard, with help and support from their regional neighbours through RAMSI, to restore peace and development to their country. It would be a tragedy to allow that progress to be undone now , said Mr Urwin.
The recent elections in the country were declared free and fair by international observers including the Forum's own, a testimony to the commitment by Solomon Islanders to uphold democracy and a major achievement for a country that has gone through so much. The Forum therefore calls on the people of Solomon Islands to respect democracy and allow the due process of installing the Government to be completed.
Solomon Islanders who have concerns about governance and the political process must seek to address them in a peaceful and lawful way. Resorting to violence will achieve nothing , added Mr Urwin.
The Secretary General emphasised that the Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands Forum members stand ready to continue assisting Solomon Islands maintain peace and stability.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
20 April 2006
12-06
PRESS STATEMENT
19 Apr 2006 18:26:38
FORUM CALLS FOR CALM IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has called upon Solomon Islanders to renew their commitment to peace, in response to the rioting and looting that have taken place in Honiara this week.
Forum Secretary General Greg Urwin said today, We are deeply concerned about the destruction of property and injury to law enforcement personnel.
For three years the people of the Solomon Islands have worked hard, with help and support from their regional neighbours through RAMSI, to restore peace and development to their country. It would be a tragedy to allow that progress to be undone now , said Mr Urwin.
The recent elections in the country were declared free and fair by international observers including the Forum's own, a testimony to the commitment by Solomon Islanders to uphold democracy and a major achievement for a country that has gone through so much. The Forum therefore calls on the people of Solomon Islands to respect democracy and allow the due process of installing the Government to be completed.
Solomon Islanders who have concerns about governance and the political process must seek to address them in a peaceful and lawful way. Resorting to violence will achieve nothing , added Mr Urwin.
The Secretary General emphasised that the Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands Forum members stand ready to continue assisting Solomon Islands maintain peace and stability.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
20 April 2006
