18 Feb 2003

Solomon Islands ambassador faces eviction notice in New York

2:44 pm on 18 February 2003

The Solomon Islands ambassador to the United Nations, Beraki Jino, could be thrown out of his house because the government hasn't paid his rent.

Foreign affairs sources say Mr Jino, who's been given an eviction order by his landlord's lawyers, will appear in court in New York tomorrow.

The sources say the government has been behind with the rent for eighteen months.

They say the government's been informed about Mr Jino's plight but it's not responded to calls for an assurance that the outstanding rent would be paid.

The sources say the assurance could prevent an embarassing situation where the Solomon Islands ambassador could become homeless in New York.