1 Sep 2010

Tonga's PM says no need for his soldiers to remain in Solomon Islands

8:24 am on 1 September 2010

Tonga's Prime Minister says there was no need for his soldiers to remain in Solomon Islands to answer questions about the shooting death of a man in Honiara.

Two Tonga soldiers have admitted opening fire after they were called, as part of of a larger Ramsi group, to deal with a brawl involving dozens of local people.

The Solomon Island's police are investigating and would have liked to speak to the soldiers concerned.

But Tonga's Prime Minister, Feleti Sevele, says his Solicitor General and the Deputy Head of Defence were satisfied with the soldiers actions after visiting Honiara:

"Our boys were acting under the rules of engagement and there is an agreement between Solomon Islands and all of those participating under Ramsi and we just follow those."

The police in Solomon Islands are continuing with their investigation and will present their final recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions.