10 May 2002

Solomons peace monitors pleased with response to gun amnesty start

11:46 am on 10 May 2002

The Peace Monitoring Council in Solomon Islands says its campaign to collect stolen weapons has been off to a hopeful start with the collection of 26 guns.

The campaign was launched in late April and the amnesty period for the return of stolen weapons and property will expire at the end of May.

The PMC chairman, Paul Tovua, says the security situation has improved in recent weeks in part because of improved policing.

Politicians are among those alleged to be in possession of the hundreds of guns stolen during the ethnic unrest but Mr Tovua says so far no well known person has come forward to surrender a gun.

"Instead of themselves those high profile guys coming out themselves and doig it they do it through other leaders and decide to remain annoymous"

Paul Tovua