Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Media Statement
9 October 2000
SOLOMON ISLANDS TALKS AT CRITICAL STAGE - GOFF
Foreign Minister Phil Goff described peace talks starting tomorrow in Townsville between the two rival ethnic factions
and Solomon Islands government representatives as critically important.
"These efforts towards peace will take place against a backdrop of a deteriorating law and order situation. This
includes increased criminal activity and armed hold-ups.
"The longer it takes the leaders and militants to reach resolution, the deeper Honiara sinks into anarchy.
“Parts of Honiara have continued to experience intermittent power and water shortages. Telephone and banking services
are operating but their disruption cannot be discounted and this could have serious implications for security.
"New Zealand will help the peace process by providing a Hercules to transport participants to Townsville," Mr Goff said.
“There are some major issues that need to be dealt with before the current ceasefire can be translated into a meaningful
peace.
"These include restructuring of the Police Force, which is currently comprised of a mixture of police and Malaitan
militants, the issue of disarmament, and the need to reach agreement on matters relating to compensation for land.
"None of these issues will be resolved quickly or easily and I expect there may be a need for more than one round of
peace talks.
"The provision in August of the New Zealand ship HMNZS Te Kaha as a neutral venue was a crucial factor in bringing the
warring factions together. We hope the Townsville peace talks will take the peace process a step further.
“I urge all the parties to the talks to make every effort to achieve real progress over the next few days so that the
people of Solomon Islands can start the huge task of both reconciliation and rebuilding their homes and their
livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advisory to the Solomon Islands warning
against all non-essential travel.
Mr Goff said that New Zealanders living in the Solomon Islands should keep themselves informed of the current security
situation and any changes to the international flight services in and out of the Solomon Islands.
ENDS