20 May 2006

Talks in Solomons Islands on exit strategy for RAMSI

9:09 am on 20 May 2006

New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, says the Solomon Islands government is discussing an exit strategy for the Australian-led regional assistance mission.

Mr Peters along with his Australian counterpart, Alexander Downer, arrived in the Solomon's capital Honiara yesterday for high level talks.

He says the discussion was frank and straightforward, and explored the RAMSI mission, its presence and how long it might continue.

No timeframe was specified, but Mr Peters says if stability is restored and the government is accepted, the force may not have to stay for years.