26 Feb 2013

Australia asked to provide security on Solomons-PNG border

9:59 am on 26 February 2013

The Australian government is to be asked to step in and provide security management at the border between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea's Bougainville.

The people of the Shortland Islands in Western Province are concerned at what will happen when the intervention force, the Regional Assistance Mission, leaves the area later this year.

An elder, Edward Kingmele, says they want AusAid, to finance weapons, logistics and infrastructure for the border security posts.

He says the security guards should be armed to counter any threats from foreigners who misuse the border.

Mr Kingmele says they want an assurance from the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI that the departure of Participating Police personnel in July won't result in a security vacuum at the border.