5 Jun 2002

Solomons rebel to meet and discuss reconciliation with MEF

11:34 am on 5 June 2002

Hardline Solomon Islands rebel leader Harold Keke is expected to meet with members of the former Malaitan Eagle Force in ten days time.

The meeting is the result of discussions last week between Mr Keke, who leads the Guadalcanal Liberation Front, and a Government envoy, MP Y Sato.

The Liberation Front has never accepted the Townsville Peace Agreement.

Mr Sato says the meeting will discuss holding a reconciliation ceremony for Keke and the MEF leadership.

He says reconciliation has to take place before issues such as disarmament and compensation can be raised.

Mr Sato says three former MEF leaders, lawyer Andrew Nori, Leslie Kwaiga and the current Foreign Minister Alex Bartlett will be invited to represent the Eagle Force.

He says the Prime Minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, the Minister of National Unity,, Peace and Reconciliation, Nathaniel Waena, Police Minister Benjamin Una, senior police and he himself will represent the national government.

Mr Sato says the international peace monitors, the Peace Monitoring Council and diplomats will also be invited to te meeting.