24 Nov 2006

Australia restates rejection of conditions for Moti surrender

3:05 pm on 24 November 2006

The Australian Government says it is not possible to agree to any conditional offer to return the suspended Solomon Islands attorney-general, Julian Moti, to Australia.

Mr Moti, who is an Australian citizen, is wanted in Australia to face very serious charges, including child sex charges dating back to alleged offences in Vanuatu in 1997.

In a statement, the Australian government says it would like to see Mr Moti face these charges in an Australian court.

It says it would not be possible, however, for Australia to accept any offer to return Mr Moti which attached conditions related to his bail, reporting requirements or right to travel.

The Australian government says decisions about these issues are clearly the responsibility of the court and judicial system in Australia.