16 Oct 2007

Concerns over RAMSI still need addressing, says NZ Prime Minister

6:24 pm on 16 October 2007

The New Zealand prime minister says concerns from the Solomon Islands government over the regional assistance mission, or RAMSI, will have to be addressed.

Helen Clark is among the leaders in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa for the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit.

The leaders will discuss a review of the mission despite the Solomons representative, the foreign minisiter, expected to stay away from the discussions.

"Obviously, there's going to have to be more talking with the Solomons government. The review team did a good job but clearly there's still some issues the Solomons government is not happy with. So there's gonig to have to be some form of engagement. It's just a pity they haven't made themselves available to talk to the leaders about it."

Helen Clark