Australia remains firm on stand-off

Australia refuses conditional offer
The Australian Government has refused to agree to any conditional offer to return Solomon Islands suspended Attorney General Julian Moti to Australia.

Mr Moti, who is an Australian citizen, is wanted in Australia to face very serious charges. In a statement the Australian Government says it would like to see Mr Moti face these charges in an Australian court. The Australian Government refuses to accept any offer to return Mr Moti which attached conditions related to his bail, reporting requirements or right to travel.

The Australian government says decisions about these issues are the responsibility of the court and judicial system in Australia. It says both Australia and Solomon Islands recognise and respect the separation of powers between government and the courts. The statement says it is not possible, nor appropriate, for the Australian Government to override the role of the courts.

Government dismisses Opposition statement
The government dismisses Opposition claims that it’s not acting to resolve the stand-off between Honiara and Canberra.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Patterson Oti says the Opposition spokesman claims are out of update. The Government Communications reports that Mr Oti says the appointment of a new High Commissioner to Australia, Victor Ngele, was just one example where the Solomon Islands government was proactively moving towards re-establishing an effective dialogue with Australia. Ngele is expected to take up his post in Canberra soon.

Foreign Minister Oti says there are other diplomatic and government initiatives underway to restore relations with Australia. He says it would be pre-emptive to release details of these talks at this stage.

Guadalcanal Declaration of Unilateral Independence Committee - Term of Reference....continue from previous post.

The Committee was approved with a seven term of reference and a time travel of (3) month from the date of their first meetings. The committee shall be responsible for:

1) consultation with the people of Guadalcanal to explain the expected effects and obtain their views
ii) Consultations with other Provinces
iii) Consultations with Central Government to explain the intentions
iv) Consultation with foreign gov ment through resident representatives
v) Consultation with the private sector to explain the intentions
vi) Consultation with major economic investors on Guadalcanal to assure them of security

The Committee will then produce a report and present a report to the New Executive Committee in early 2007 for adoption and implementations of the Committee recommendations.

More on the Guadalcanal demand in coming posts.

Rennell Bellona Elections
At the close on nominations for Rennell Bellona Provincial Assembly 16th November, 52 candidates have been nominated. Among the 52 is a woman.

Rennell Island/Ward
01. East Tenggano - 4 candidates -- Ricky Niutai, MartinTauniu, John Ha'ueke, William Kaunga
02. West Tenggano - 3 candidates -- Sau'eha Tahua, Lence Tango and Paul Jack
03. Lughu - 5 candidates -- Tony Kagovai, James Tetuha, D Pongi, John James Tingi'iha, Timothy Johnston
04. Kanava - 5 candidates -- Edward Kaitu'u, Billy Saoba, Leslie Maui, Luke Tu'ata, Aubrey Sauhea
05. Te Tau Gangoto - 6 candidates -- Rev Stewart Maui, Sol Tepai, R Billy, A Tohahenua, Solomon Maui Taungenga, Wickly Taungaika
06. Mugi Henua - 6 candidates -- Mathew Taupongi, Evans Tuhangenga, Norman Sa'o, Mathias Tapolo, Victor Mark Tekobi, Tangosia Hunter

Bellona Island
07. Matangi -- 3 candidates -- John Tei Angikimua, Wilson Baikapuia, Soly Amonga Tengamoana
08. East Gaongau -- 6 candidates -- Lungu Kiloko, Brian Pohaika, Kendrick Sanga, Wilson Songaika, Maxlyn Sau'eha Temasi, Willie Mamata
09. West East Gaongau - 8 candidates -- Stanley B Maui, Nick Taika, Simeon Brian Pongi, George Tuhaika, Mrs Anne Pugeva, George H Tango, Raymond Na'amoana, Ali Pongi
10. Sa'aiho - 6 candidates -- Fr Henry Teho, Chris Angikimua Haikiu, Nick Tangosia, Smith Puia Tuhaika, Job Tuhaika, Kusol Tepuke.

Below are some key dates for the elections.
November
30 Withdrawal of nominations by Candidates not later than 4.00 p.m.
December
14 Election Day

I'm off for a spiritual retreat. Catch up with you in a couple of days.