NZ Defence increasing security in Solomons

MICHAEL FIELD/Stuff

BACK AGAIN: New Zealand soldiers arriving in the Solomons during riots around the 2006 elections.

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New Zealand is sending 37 soldiers to the Solomon Islands to join the Regional Force already there ahead of next month's general elections, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.

The platoon will be part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Combined Task Force.

"The security situation in Solomon Islands is currently stable, and this deployment is simply a precautionary measure to ensure RAMSI has sufficient resources on the ground to assist the Solomon Islands police, which is leading election security efforts," Mr McCully said.

"The contribution of the platoon has been welcomed by the Solomon Islands government, and it underscores New Zealand's contribution to the on-going security and stability in the Solomons, as well as our commitment to supporting free and fair elections."

Earlier this week the Ministry of Foreign Affairs elevated its security watch for the Solomon Islands ahead of general elections next month.

"There is some risk to your security in Solomon Islands due to criminal activity and the risk of civil unrest and we advise caution," a new warning said.

"The security situation in and around the capital Honiara is currently stable but could deteriorate at short notice."

The warning said elections on August 4 may be a focus for protests.

"Political tensions can arise with little notice and we recommend that New Zealanders avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they could lead to civil unrest and turn violent suddenly."

The Solomons, population 609,794, has been independent since 1978.

During World War Two the island of Guadalcanal became a major battleground between the Japanese and the Allies. After the war ended, Honiara, on Guadalcanal, became the capital and bought together two groups; the indigenous of the island and people from Malaita, across Iron Bottom Sound.

Tensions between the two groups grew until 1998 when the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army formed to drive Malaitans out. Honiara became a Malaita town and base for the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF).

In June 2000 an MEF coup overthrew Prime Minister Bart Ulufa'aulu who was replaced by Manasseh Sogavare.

In the wake of ethnic conflict an Australian and New Zealand-led intervention force, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), took over the country and remains the dominant force.

At the last elections in 2006 RAMSI failed its biggest test after elections saw Snyder Rini elected prime minister. Associated with the endemic corruption that has blighted the Solomons, rioters destroyed a large part of Chinatown in Honiara.

Rini was voted out of office and Sogavare returned.

Sogavare, now an opposition politician, is campaigning against RAMSI while current Prime Minister Derek Sikua wants to maintain the status quo.

- © Fairfax NZ News