4 Jun 2003

Australia flies Solomons leadership to Canberra for talks

5:01 pm on 4 June 2003

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, is tight lipped about what he hopes will come from high level talks on security with the Australian Prime Minister.

Sir Allen and members of his Cabinet are being flown to Canberra by an Australian Air Force jet later today for a day of talks tomorrow with John Howard and several of his Ministers.

The talks follow a request for Australia to provide additional help to try and solve Solomon Islands law and order problems.

But, prior to leaving for Canberra, Sir Allen revealed little about what he expected from the meeting.

"I cannot tell you just at this time,, but the discussion (will be) surrounding the law and order situation security in the Solomons.. that's all."

Sir Allen Kemakeza.

Australia is already providing a number of advisors to police as part of a combined bid by aid donors to restore the effectiveness of the police force.

Last month, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer indicated Australia was considering additional aid to the police.

But, the Australian High Commissioner in Honiara, Bob Davis, says no decisions have yet been made as to what form that help may take.