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Solomons Police Commissioner says arrests may fuel tensions

Posted at 9:41pm on 24 Apr 2006

Solomon Islands' Police Commissioner, Shane Castles, has admitted that the arrests of opposition MPs may fuel tensions in the violence-stricken country.

A third politician was arrested Monday, as Police investigate last week's riots after the election of Snyder Rini as Prime Minister.

MP Charles Dausabea, who was arrested after being sworn-in in the first sitting of the new parliament, denies he incited last week's violence sparked by the disputed election of Snyder Rini as Prime Minister.

Another opposition politician is in custody on charges related to inciting the riots and a third was arrested for breaching a curfew.

Commissioner Castles says it is possible the arrests could increase the security risk in the capital, Honiara, but stresses Police have little choice.

He says it has to be balanced against the serious criminal conduct Police are investigating.

Opposition leader, Job Dudley Tausinga, earlier warned that Police who arrest law makers could interfering in the politics of the country.

Mr Tausinga says the forces of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) should consider their role carefully.

RAMSI deputy special co-ordinator, New Zealander Paul Ash, says the swearing-in of MPs was a major security exercise for Police.

First session since riots

Monday's heavily guarded parliamentary session was the first since violent mobs rampaged in Honiara following the surprise election of Mr Rini, amid corruption allegations. Mr Rini has rejected the allegations.

Police in riot gear and RAMSI troops surrounded Parliament House, in the capital Honiara, for the session.

RAMSI officers blocked the road leading up to the building and troops were stationed every few metres along the path. A police helicopter circled overhead.

Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Shane Castles went on national radio on Monday morning to say the Parliament was a no-go zone for the Solomon Islands public.

The public gallery was empty except for members of the media and armed soldiers and police.

After MPs were sworn in and the Speaker, Sir Peter Kenilorea, re-elected unopposed, the Parliament was adjourned until 3pm on Wednesday.

More troops flown in

More troops from New Zealand arrived in Honiara on Sunday; bringing the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomons Islands (RAMSI) peacekeeping force to more than 640.

The first deployment of 110 Australian troops and 70 Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrived in the Solomons on Wednesday night. The ABC reported a further 110 Australian soldiers were committed on Friday to the security effort.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said it was more desirable to deter troublemakers than to fight a pitched battle.

New Zealand sent 25 soldiers and 30 police on Thursday. Additional police arrived from Fiji also.

Sunday's deployment of 53 troops from the 3rd Land Force Group, aboard two RNZAF Hercules aircraft, brought the New Zealand contingent in the islands to 125.

2 patrol boats ordered to Honiara

Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson on Sunday told the ABC that there are now nearly 300 Australian troops in the Solomon Islands.

He said a patrol boat, HMAS Townsville , was despatched on Saturday from Cairns and would arrive in Honiara on Monday. Another patrol boat, HMAS Armidale, would also arrive later this week.

The Australian government also said on Saturday it was sending two Iroquois helicopters from Queensland. Mr Nelson said 25 airfield defence guards would also be despatched.

NZ minister to visit

New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff is to visit the Solomons this week.

His spokesperson says he hopes to meet the main players in the new government and the opposition. He also hopes to visit RAMSI headquarters.

Copyright © 2006 Radio New Zealand

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