The political battle field

Hello! It's exactly a week since my last post.

The political situation arounding the suspended Attorney General Julian Moti has had its toll.

Since Moti's arrest in Port Moresby on the 8th October, and subsequent secret fight into Solomon Islands via Munda in the Western Province, victims have fallen by the way side.
Moti was charged for illegal entry. His two Solomon Islands travelling colleagues, private lawyer Chris Hapa and political analyst in the Prime Minister's Office, Robson Djiokovic have been charged for offences relating to the secret flight into Munda. Commerce Minister Peter Shanel was napped and charged by police for allegedly lying about giving permit for Moti to entry the country.

The next to fall victim to the saga was Solicitor General, Nathan Moshynski. While he said he was terminating his contract earlier for family reasons, it was clear that he too was being targeted for discipline for doing his job. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had vowed to deal with him and Police Commissioner, Shane Castles for arresting and charging Minister Shanel. Police Commissioner also got himself in trouble. The government diverting his pay - technical assistance - to the Ministry of Health. He is to be paid under Solomon Islands pay structure.

The Provinces in Solomon Islands have also been vocal about Mr Sogavare's threat to withdraw the Australian component in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

Various groups in the country have also commented on the issue. Here is a sample of the various groups which came out publicly on the issue.

Those against the threat.
Provinces: Guadalcanal, Malaita, Isabel, Choiseul, Western and Renbel have called for dialogue between the parties. No official comments were made by Makira and Ulawa and Central Provinces on the issue.
Groups: The Parliamentary Opposition, Transparency Solomon Islands, the National Council of Women, Guadalcanal chiefs and individuals.

Those who support Prime Minister's stand are:
Province: Temotu
Groups: Malaita Maasina Forum and others. The Solomon Islands Christian Association has urged parties to have dialogue to resolve the stand-off.

It's understood that the Prime Minister met and briefed Provincial Premiers about the situation following his return from the South Pacific Forum meeting in Fiji.

Other news of note during the week.
Wednesday 25th October -- Police questioned and later charged former PM Sir Allan Kemakeza on offences relating to robbery, demanding money with menaces, intimidation and larceny.
Thursday 26th -- The Judicial and Legal Services Commission was understood to have met and discussed private lawyer Nuatali Tongarutu as the next Acting Attorney General.

More action is bound to unveil as the Prime Minister, Cabinet and advisors settle to review the situation.

Until then, happy surfing in cyberspace.

Joe