14 Aug 2006

Solomons National Party to meet after Billy Hilly sacking

1:49 pm on 14 August 2006

The future of the Solomon Islands National Party in the coalition government will be discussed at a meeting in Honiara tomorrow.

This follows last week's sacking of its leader, Francis Billy Hilly, from the cabinet after he defied the prime minister over the government's diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.

Mr Billy Hilly had signed a memorandum of understanding with China but has refused to renounce the position.

The National Party has called a meeting of its financial members and parliamentarians to respond to the sacking.

The prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is in Taiwan for meetings with top political leaders and to re-affirm the diplomatic links.

The visits follows a trip to Taipei by the Solomon Islands foreign minister, Patteson Oti.