23 Sep 2003

NZ prime minister visits Solomon Islands

1:29 pm on 23 September 2003

The New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark, is in Honiara today for a visit which the Solomon Islands government says affirms New Zealand's support for the leadership of the Sir Allan Kemakeza.

Miss Clark's schedule includes a meeting with Sir Allan as well as other leaders and the New Zealand contingent of defence and police personnel that are part of the Australian-led intervention force.

The Solomons Acting Foreign Secretary, Sam Tagana, says there is a tight programme for her seven hours in the country.

Her visit comes amid calls by the opposition and community groups to move against Solomons government ministers allegedly involved in crime and corruption.