12 Dec 2007

Solomons police to provide extra security as parliament is due to meet

11:15 am on 12 December 2007

The Solomon Islands police force is taking extra security measures to ensure no problems occur during tomorrow's possible sitting of Parliament.

The acting police commissioner, Walter Kola, says police will maintain a highly visible presence around Parliament House.

He also revealed that mobile patrols will be increased in and around Honiara.

The acting commissioner is urging members of the public to obey the law during the upcoming sitting of Parliament.

He warns police will not tolerate any antisocial behaviour during this period.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands opposition claims to have the numbers to topple the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and plans to oust him should parliament sit tomorrow.

The expected showdown over Mr Sogavare's leadership follows weeks of wrangling between the government, the opposition and Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena over when parliament should reconvene.

Earlier this week, Mr Sogavare announced Christmas Eve as the date for the next sitting in a bid to cancel tomorrow's sitting.