2 Jun 2008

Former Papua New Guinea lawyer to head inquiry into Guadalcanal land dealings

3:29 pm on 2 June 2008

The Solomon Islands Government has appointed former Papua New Guinea judge Brian Brunton to head a Commission of Inquiry into land dealings on Guadalcanal and the loss of land and property on the island as a result of the years of ethnic tension.

The Solomon Islands Broadasting Commission reports that two other commissioners, from Vanuatu and Fiji, will assist him.

Mr Brunton previously chaired the commission of inquiry into the Honiara riots of April 2006.

Meanwhile, the Guadalcanal Premier Stephen Panga says the various commissions of inquiry provided for under the Townsville Peace Agreement must be completed before a national reconciliation is held.