25 Apr 2006

Solomons PM suggests MPs could be charged over rioting

11:20 am on 25 April 2006

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Snyder Rini, has welcomed the arrest of alleged ringleaders of the recent riots in the capital Honiara and says MPs could be among those yet to be charged.

He has also brushed aside opposition claims that recent arrests were politically motivated in the build-up to Wednesday's scheduled parliamentary vote of no confidence in him.

Two opposition MPs have already been arrested and charged following last week's riots in which about 80 percent of Chinatown was destroyed along with hotels and restaurants.

Another has been questioned.

Mr Rini says the restoration of law and order shows that the majority of people accept the election of his government.

Mr Rini says just a small minority is trying to wreck that.

He says more ring leaders will be arrested in coming days.