13 Mar 2007

Warning of possible violence for Australians visiting Solomon Islands

8:15 pm on 13 March 2007

Australia has warned its citizens against travel to Solomon Islands due to fears of attacks on foreigners and members of the Regional Assistance Mission.

Reuters News agency reports that Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs says security in the Solomons could quickly deteriorate because of criminal elements remaining in the cuontry, some with access to firearms.

It says it has received information suggesting that some of these may be encouraging criminal activity and acts of violence targeting RAMSI and the expatriate civilian community for political purposes.

This comes amid internal political tensions and ongoing differences between Canberra and Honiara over the role of RAMSI.