NZ considers peacekeepers for Solomons

By JOHN ARMSTRONG political editor

New Zealand will look seriously at any invitation to send a peacekeeping force to the Solomon Islands - so long as there is a peace to keep.

As skirmishes continued around the capital, Honiara, New Zealand diplomats worked round the clock yesterday on a Commonwealth and European Union-brokered deal under which rebels from the Malaitan Eagle Force released Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu.

To maintain international pressure on the rival rebel groups to start negotiating, Foreign Minister Phil Goff flies to Honiara today, with his Australian, Botswanan and Malaysian counterparts. Their trip by Australian Air Force plane depends on the reopening of the airport, around which some of the fighting has taken place.

The mission, which will be in the capital for about 10 hours, will reinforce Tuesday's message from the Commonwealth ministerial action group that the Eagles should withdraw from Honiara to allow normal government to resume.

Eagles frontman Andrew Nori yesterday called for an international peacekeeping force, claiming that the rival Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) would not surrender its arms.

But Mr Goff said New Zealand would send in troops only if it was convinced that both groups were willing to negotiate and stop the violence.

"We cannot impose a solution. If it is imposed, it won't be a solution. Until there is a willingness to make peace, there is no point sending in people who are the meat in the sandwich."

Meanwhile, Mr Goff has urged New Zealand nationals to leave the Solomons by commercial flights once the airport reopens, unless they have pressing commitments.

Despite the fighting, the High Commission reported yesterday that Honiara's streets were quiet. The IFM has indicated that it does not intend to enter the city, which is controlled by the Eagles.

Mr Goff said New Zealanders were not in danger, although those living close to the airport had now moved into Honiara, about 10km away.

Along with Australian naval vessels, the frigate Te Mana should arrive off the Solomons by the weekend, ready to evacuate New Zealanders if necessary.