14 Aug 2003

Solomons prime minister applauds Keke's arrest

11:07 am on 14 August 2003

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, says the arrest of the rebel leader, Harold Keke, is a major step towards restoring peace in his country.

Sir Allan says the arrest is significant, because Keke was one of the original participants in the ethnic tension which has gripped the country for 4 years.

The Prime Minister says he believes it will lead to other rebels also giving up their arms.

"There will be no reason why other militants should not surrender their weapons and that is the beginning of the bringing back to normalcy of Solomon Islands."

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, who is in Auckland for the Pacific Islands Forum, which officially opens today.