14 Jan 2005

Fiji to send 34 soldiers to Solomon Islands mission

7:24 am on 14 January 2005

Thirty-four Fijian soldiers will leave for Australia on Saturday as part of the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands.

The troops will undergo training in Townsville before leaving for the Solomon Islands.

Fiji Military Forces spokesman Captain Neumi Leweni says the troops underwent pre-deployment training but were now on leave with their families.

He says the third Fiji Infantry Battalion Regiment is being commanded by Lieutenant Epeli Duaibe posted to this deployment while his second-in-command is Sergeant Penioni Drikibau.