Why the Pacific nations must all pitch in to help in the Solomon Islands

As a result, the Australian and New Zealand governments sent a "scoping mission" to the Solomon Islands from 10 to 13 June to determine the extent of the problems facing the country, and its government.

Earlier, the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister verbally requested Papua New Guinea's assistance when he met with the Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, during the Pacific Leaders Meeting in Japan in May. A formal written request was received in June.

A Regional Response

Following the assessment of the report of the scoping mission, the Forum Secretariat in close consultation with the governments of the Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand convened a Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Sydney on Monday, 30 June.

The objective of the meeting was to agree on a regional response to assist the government of the Solomon Islands address a situation which was well beyond its capacity to resolve on its own.

The Pacific Island Forum Foreign Ministers, including myself, unanimously agreed that the region needed to take immediate steps to assist the democratically elected government of the Solomons, and the long-suffering citizens of the country. It was agreed the most urgent need was to assist restore law and order, and end the tragic loss of life and suffering of the people as a result of organised, brutal lawlessness.

There was also agreement that follow-up and substantial assistance would be needed to re-build the institutions of government, such as the police, the judiciary, the prison system and basic health services. This assistance will need to include the restoration of economic stability, and sound financial management.

The meeting agreed a regional force needed to be assembled to address the immediate law and order and internal security issues.

The force will be co-ordinated by, and led by, Australia. New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have agreed to contribute to what must be a genuine regional effort with police and defence force personnel. Other countries may join at a later stage.

A Task Force consisting of all participating member countries is being assembled to manage arrangements for the deployment of the police and defence personnel. Papua New Guinea will become a member of the Task Force when our participation is confirmed.

Papua New Guinea's Participation

The Papua New Guinea government has decided to participate in the regional law and order response by providing both police and defence force personnel.

At this stage it has been agreed that we will contribute forty police force personnel, and an estimated 44 defence force personnel. While the task of the police force personnel is clear, that of the defence force personnel is still being discussed with Australia, and the Solomons.

Our existing legislation does not permit the deployment of police personnel to operate outside Papua New Guinea. The House will be asked to approve legislation this week, endorsed by NEC, to facilitate the deployment of police force members to the Solomons initiative.