4 May 2004

Australia's Justice Minister due in Solomons to check RAMSI's progress

7:47 am on 4 May 2004

Australia's Justice Minister, Chris Ellison, flies to Solomon Islands today to check on the progress of the Australian-led regional assistance mission in ending ethnic violence.

The visit is part of a two day trip, with the Senator also scheduled to stop in Vanuatu.

Senator Ellison's visit comes a day after the US State Department hailed Australia's role in the war against terror.

The Australian Asociated Press says the State Department praised Australia for helping countries in the Asia-Pacific region build their capacity to combat terrorism in areas such as law enforcement, border management, transportation security, intelligence and the development of legal regimes.