Solomon Islands.

[harry hackedoff]

Reports( like the one quoted by Sticks) coming from the Islands, all favour the Govt view. A lot of the violence has been caused by govt supporters and elements within the police force. The area controlled by Harold Keke is called the Weather Coast and is on the western side of G`canal. He is viewed by his supporters as a heroic figure. They resent the corrupt government. As Harold says" dis land blong me feller. Me feller gon fight" The group led by Jimmy Rasta have surrendered their arms to the IFOR without making any demands in return. They come from the island of Malaita and are a different ethnic/tribal group to Keke`s "fellers" The situation is far more complex than the press coverage suggests. Torua likens the Solomons to a sort of Pacific Yugoslavia. I.E. several diverse ethnic groups held together, in an artificial "nation" Corruption is endemic. The English copper I mentioned, was drafted from GMP and is the Islands police commisioner. Oz copper was sworn in as his deputy, yesterday. Several govt ministers have been sacked and IFOR have begun a full audit of all govt expenditure. If negotiations can be established with groups like Harold Keke`s, this may end peacefully. I certainly hope so. No shots have been fired so far.
Aye,

P.S. Honiara is on the island of Guadalcanal, USMC suffered very heavy losses there in WWII.

[barryc]

They brought in a cop from GMP to STOP corruption?!



Barry

[harry hackedoff]

Fairly quiet last two weeks as IFOR set up various operating bases. Negotiations with Harold Keke, resulted in him surrendering to IFOR, yesterday. He spent the night on Minoora before appearing in court in Honiara on various charges including the murder of several hostages, recently. Situation is looking hopefull for peacefull resolution. Makes a change