24 Sep 2003

NZ prime minister says the hard work in Solomon Islands has still to be tackled

10:27 am on 24 September 2003

The New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark says in doing their work the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands must continue to maintain the support of the locals.

Miss Clark has just completed a brief tour of security forces in the Solomons and she says they seem in good spirits.

However Miss Clark has warned if any doubts exist among locals about RAMSI's methods or motives then the mission would not succeed.

Miss Clark says the most dfficult stage of the mission is approaching.

"The tough part of the job that is only just beginning is getting the Solomon Islands' finances in good shape and starting to work with the donor community on the National Economic Development and Recovery Plan. In addition there has been a lot of lost years in Education and Helth policy and service, and that needs to be put to rights as soon as possible."

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark who announced a 595-thousand US dollar contribution towards the cost of providing electricity to Honiara during her visit.