9 Nov 2007

Solomons government faced with riot compensation claim

4:20 pm on 9 November 2007

The Solomon Islands government has been given a 24 million US dollar compensation claim by business and property owners whose premises were destroyed in last year's riots.

The 82 claimants made their submission to the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, for losses suffered during the riots in Honiara in April of 2006.

The claimants are members of the Solomon Islands 4/18 Riot Victims Association formed soon after the unrest.

Government officials say a response will be made after the commission of inquiry has delivered its final report into the riots.

The riots and widespread looting was sparked by the election of Snyder Rini as prime minister.

He resigned after the unrest and was replaced by Mr Sogavare.