15 Nov 2007

Solomon Islands Prime Minister says current political upheaval is over

7:12 am on 15 November 2007

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, says the current political upheaval in the country is now over as his government took control of a clear majority once more.

A posting on the official government website last evening quotes Mr Sogavare saying his ruling coalition remains intact despite political speculations since the weekend's defections.

Nine ministers and several backbenchers defected from the government at the weekend, but their efforts to convene parliament for a vote of no confidence have been unsuccessful.

The new oppositin grouping insists they have the support of at least 28 of the 48-currently occupied seats in parliament.

But the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has rejected calls for him to stand down and the government sasy it now has the upper hand in the political stalemate.