8 Jul 2005

Forum head re-states Solomons problems still significant

1:11 pm on 8 July 2005

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Greg Urwin, says the recommendations made by an Eminent Persons Group report on Solomon Islands shows the country's problems remain significant.

The EPG, of which Mr Urwin was a member, assessed the Regional Assistance Mission's work and came up with 25 recommendations.

These include efforts to build capacity, encourage reconciliation, and develop and diversify the economy.

The EPG has also called on the Solomon Islands Government to take on more of a leadership role.

Mr Urwin says it is an ambitious plan of action which will require additional help from RAMSI and other donors.

"And it seems to me and I think it is reflected in the report that the Forum itself is going to have to play a role in ensuring that some of that is delivered to Solomon Islands. But yes it is a fairly big ask, but it seemed to us that these were the range of problems that needed to be tackled if we were going to work seriously for improvement."