31 Jan 2007

Solomons PM urged to explain move against Castles

2:47 pm on 31 January 2007

The Solomon Islands opposition says prime minister Manasseh Sogavare must explain why he declared the police commissioner, Australian, Shane Castles, persona non grata.

Four weeks ago the government declared Mr Castles an undesirable immigrant, claiming his presence in the country was prejudicial to the peace, security and good government of Solomon Islands.

Commissioner Castles who has been in Australia throughout the intervening period has said the government acted because of police investigations which put the spotlight on senior politicians.

The opposition police spokesman William Haomae says he will be raising the removal of Mr Castles when parliament sits tomorrow.

He says he will also be looking for details about who might replace him.

There are unconfirmed reports from both Papua New Guinea and Honiara that former PNG police commissioner Sam Inguba is to take up the role.