13 Oct 2006

Solomons minister justifies Moti appointment

4:45 pm on 13 October 2006

The Solomon Islands public service minister, Joses Sanga, says the appointment of Julian Moti as attorney general was made in line with the law.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation says the minister made the statement in parliament and amid claims that the proper procedure was not followed.

Mr Sanga says the appointment is correct under sub-section 2 of section 42 of the constitution which says the Attorney General shall be appointed shall be appointed by the Legal services Commission, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.

The minister says as such he sees no reason why people oppose the appointment.

Mr Moti has now been suspended.

Mr Moti, whose Australian passport was cancelled two weeks ago, is on remand after being charged with passport offences for entering the country on an unauthorised flight of a Papua New Guinea defence force plane.