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New Solomons leader challenges Canberra

05may06

MANASSEH Sogavare, a vocal critic of Canberra's intervention program, was elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister yesterday and immediately signalled a warning to Australia.

Mr Sogavare wants to wrestle back some control over the riot-hit country's troubled finances from corruption-fighting Australian bureaucrats.

In scenes opposite to the destructive mayhem triggered by the election of his failed predecessor Synder Rini just three weeks ago, Mr Sogavare's victory was greeted with cheers by a crowd outside the Parliament.

As Australian sharpshooters and riot police stood guard, Mr Sogavare said Solomon Islanders had got the change of leadership they wanted.

He has served as prime minister in past ethnic violence that had pushed the country to the brink of being a failed state.

Mr Sogavare was in office in 2000-2001 and propped up by the militant Malaita Eagle Force.

He leads the Social Credit Party, but has denied being anti-bank. Mr Sogavare wants to regain some control the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands has in key sectors such as finance when his Government takes over next week.

Any moves by Mr Sogavare against RAMSI officials will not be welcomed by Australia and New Zealand, who see tighter control of government finances as key to eliminating corruption.

The new Prime Minister said RAMSI was doing a good job, but the mission had to be reviewed every 12 months and changes were in order.

Mr Sogavare also wants more locals in key jobs.

RAMSI arrived in the Solomons in mid-2003 to restore peace, law and order and good governance after years of bloody ethnic conflict.

Reinforcements were brought in to end last month's riots.

"RAMSI is doing a good job restoring law and order, delivery of essential services, institutional strengthening," Mr Sogavare said.

"These are good things anyone in their right mind would support."

But Mr Sogavare raised concerns about outsiders controlling the Prime Minister's office, as well as the finance and police ministries, saying it was not in the best interests of Solomon Islanders.

RAMSI officials are in high-powered posts such as accountant-general.

The police commissioner, Shane Castles, is Australian and he might also find his position under scrutiny.

RAMSI officials have brought in some tight controls. Mr Sogavare said his Government intended to systematically see Solomon Islanders take more roles in decision-making. – AAP

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