We won't mediate in Solomons stand-off, says Peters

Manasseh Sogavare

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand will not be mediating in the diplomatic row between Australia and the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare expelled the Australian High Commissioner, Patrick Cole, accusing Australia of interfering in an inquiry into riots in Honiara in April.

The expulsion of Mr Cole has resulted in a diplomatic stand-off with Canberra.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard wants Mr Sogavare to scrap an inquiry into the circumstances of the rioting.

Canberra suspects the inquiry is designed to undermine criminal cases against two pro-Sogavare legislators charged with inciting the violence.

Mr Sogavare has accused Australia of heavy-handed diplomacy, saying the Australians fear being blamed for the rioting.

He said he hoped Mr Peters would mediate.

Mr Peters said he told Mr Sogavare in a phone call that New Zealand regretted the differences between the two countries, but would not be getting involved.

Mr Peters said the question of mediation "does just not arise".

"I have no idea where anyone got that from," he said.

New Zealand and Australia worked closely together in the Pacific.

"I was at pains to point out we are serious partners and colleagues with Australia in many parts of the world, but in particular in the Solomons and East Timor, and there is no gap between our desires in the Solomons or East Timor in terms of sound governance and future peace and security," Mr Peters said.

"On the matter of the Australian High Commission, which we regard as a very serious step, we were greatly concerned, and hope it can be resolved with Australia as soon as possible.

"But at no point did I mention any mediation offers or anything of the sort."

Mr Peters said he had spoken to Mr Sogavare about the commission of inquiry and the independence of the Solomon Islands' judiciary.

"I expressed our concern, because I wanted to make it very clear that we regarded the reputation of the Solomon Islands' judiciary of paramount importance in the development of the Solomons."

The Solomon Islands has appointed a Papua New Guinean judge to replace former Australian judge Marcus Einfeld as head of the inquiry into the rioting.

Judge Einfeld is being investigated by Australian police for alleged perjury in the excuses he gave when he tried to get off a traffic fine.

- NZPA