Unanimous vote clears way for Solomons peace force

By MARY-LOUISE O'CALLAGHAN Herald correspondent

HONIARA - An Australian-led regional peacekeeping force is set to deploy to the troubled Solomon Islands next week after the historic passage in Honiara yesterday of legislation authorising the intervention.

The unanimous vote of the Solomon Islands Parliament clears the final hurdle for the deployment of 2000 military, police and civilian personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu to the troubled South Pacific state.

The legislation authorises members of the regional force, who will be armed, to use such force as is necessary to maintain law and order, prevent violence and support Solomon Islands institutions.

Closing the debate on the Facilitation of International Assistance Bill, Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza said Solomon Islanders were tired of living without any fundamental rights.

"We accept this intervention because nobody wants to live under threat, under fear, any more."

The Solomons have been plagued by lawlessness since a coup in 2000 led to the virtual collapse of the state and widespread economic hardship.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer welcomed Parliament's decision to pass the legislation and said it reflected how much Solomon Islanders wanted the intervention.

The unanimous passage of the legislation clearly demonstrated broad community support for the programme of strengthened assistance which has been discussed between the Solomon Islands and other members of the Pacific Islands Forum during past weeks.

Mr Downer said the legislation paved the way for the deployment, which would mark the beginning of a better future for the Solomons.

The legislation opens the way for police and other personnel to be deployed to the Solomons and to carry out law enforcement functions.

The final composition of the force is yet to be decided, but it is expected to contain three rifle companies, one each from Australia and Fiji and a third on stand-by in New Zealand.

The rest of the 2000 defence personnel to be deployed are expected to provide communications, transport, medical and logistics support.

The Australian Navy vessel Manoora, described as an amphibious landing platform, is expected very shortly to be anchored off the Solomons capital, Honiara.