16 May 2002

Solomon Islands foreign secretary says the country must clear its name in regard to Ms Nichols' deat

9:30 am on 16 May 2002

The Solomon Islands foreign secretary, Warren Paia, says he hopes that every person that could be associated with the death of New Zealand diplomat, Bridget Nichols, will testify at the proposed inquiry next month.

Mr Paia says Solomon Islands must clear its name in regard to Ms Nichols' death.

"Point that we like to stress here is that the demonisation of Solomon Islands and islanders by overseas media and leaders because of Nichols' death have obviously been based on presumption and bad taste rather than on any definitive facts."

Warren Paia