DATE=6/9/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SOLOMONS / POL (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263318
BYLINE=ELIZABETH BYRNE
DATELINE=CANBERRA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Rival ethnic militias in the Solomon Islands
have called a truce in anticipation of the arrival of
a high-level international delegation intent on
mediating the conflict. Tensions on the islands
increased Monday, when Prime Minister Bartholomew
Ulufa'alu was kidnapped and placed under house arrest
during a coup by the Maliatian Eagle Force. The prime
minister was released from house arrest late Thursday,
but as Elizabeth Byrne reports from Canberra the
Maliatians and the rival militia force, the Istabu
Freedom Movement, are a long way from real peace.
TEXT: More than 50 people have died in the fighting
and 20 thousand Maliatians have been forced from their
homes. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer,
who will lead the Commonwealth delegation due to
arrive Saturday, says the situation is still tense.
/// DOWNER ACT ///
There have been discussions today between our
officials and a number of the different parties
in the Solomon Islands in order to try to help
broker a cease fire there and that isn't
completed as yet.
/// END ACT ///
The delegation also includes the New Zealand and
Botswana foreign ministers and a special
representative of the Malaysian prime minister. Mr.
Downer says the aim of the exercise will be to
establish peace talks.
/// DOWNER ACT ///
What we hope is that a ceasefire can be
arranged first and foremost. Some peace
conference, a new conference, there was one
not that long ago but a further peace conference
can be put together.
/// END ACT ///
In the meantime, Australian nationals are being
evacuated from the Solomon Islands by a navy vessel
sent after the trouble flared. (Signed)
NEB/HK/EB/GC/JO/KL
09-Jun-2000 09:27 AM EDT (09-Jun-2000 1327 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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