25 Aug 2010

New Solomons PM to make ministerial appointments later in week

9:55 pm on 25 August 2010

The newly-elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Danny Philip says it will be a few days before he makes ministerial appointments.

Immediately after his swearing-in at Government House, Mr Philip commended the public for the peaceful behaviour around the Prime Ministerial election.

He acknowledged both the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Regional Assistance Mission, or RAMSI, forces for ensuring no repeat of violence that marred the 2006 Prime Ministerial election.

The 57-year old is the Solomons' ninth prime minister in a role that has now changed 14 times since the country gained independence from Britain in 1978.

In the past 15 years, he has also twice served as foreign minister.

Mr Philip says the appointment process is a difficult task given the different political party ideologies in the formed coalition group.

He has indicated it could be months before his coalition releases its policy framework.