4 Dec 2006

Australia reiterates that diplomatic relations with Solomons rely on return of Julian Moti

6:12 am on 4 December 2006

Australian foreign Minister Alexander Downer says relations with Solomon Islands will not return to normal until suspended Attorney-General Julian Moti is extradited to Australia.

Mr Downer discussed the Moti affair with the foreign ministers of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands after they had attended a meeting on Fiji in Sydney.

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He reiterated to Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Patteson Oti that Mr Moti was an Australian citizen and should be returned to face the child sex charges.

Meanwhile, Mr Downer said Australia would welcome the Solomon Islands new high commissioner when he arrives in Australia next week.

He said a new Australian high commissioner would also be soon sent to Honiara.