15 Jan 2007

RAMSI agrees with rapid review of its operation in Solomon Islands

10:46 am on 15 January 2007

The Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Tim George, has agreed that the Pacific Islands Forum review of RAMSI should take place as soon as possible.

Mr George says RAMSI welcomes the Forum review and is ready to work with the review team.

He says the regional nature of RAMSI has recently strengthened even further now that all members of the Pacific Islands Forum participate noting the arrival of a Niue police contingent last year.

Mr George says Pacific Islands Islands countries are represented in the civilian, police and military components of the mission including at very senior levels.

The Assistant Special Coordinator, Masi Lomaloma, is a senior Fijian public servant working alongside Mr George, and Deputy Special Coordinator Paul Ash who is a senior New Zealand diplomat.

Mr George said that RAMSI is keen for greater Pacific Islands participation and is working with the Forum Secretariat to address the issue.