5 Feb 2003

Solomons government still hopes for RAONK funds

11:35 am on 5 February 2003

Reports from Solomon Islands says the government of Sir Allan Kemakeza still hopes to receive a huge grant from the Bouganville-based so-called Royal Assembly of Nations and Kingdoms.

The Assembly's spokesman, Noah Musingku, who is wanted in Papua New Guinea in connection with a collapsed pyramid money making scheme, has promised to give a 350 million US dollar grant by February the 10th.

At the weekend, the Solomon Islands Christian Association applauded what it said was a government decision to rescind dealings with the Royal Assembly.

But sources say the government has made no decision.

They say government ministers still expect the funds to be released but are not actively pursuing the deal with Mr Musingku.