Te Kaha hosts Solomons peace talks

7:25 AM

The New Zealand frigate Te Kaha will be the host to a peace conference in the Solomons starting today.

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff says New Zealand is making a tangible commitment to peace-building in our region by sending the frigate.

Mr Goff says the Te Kaha, which arrived in Solomon Islands capital Honiara yesterday, will provide a neutral and secure environment for the conference involving more than 100 representatives of various groups, including churches and businesses.

After the conference the Te Kaha will host meetings between rival militant groups and government officials.

However, the peace efforts take place amid ongoing violence in the islands.

Civil war in the Solomons has pitted native Guadalcanal islanders against immigrant settlers from Malaita Island, represented by the Malaita Eagle Force.

The MEF staged a mini-coup on June 5, arresting the then prime minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu.

- IRN