Fed: Downer welcomes Solomons ceasefire

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2000
Fed: Downer welcomes Solomons ceasefire

CANBERRA, Aug 3 AAP - Australia would play an active role in underpinning the peace
process in the Solomon Islands following a ceasefire between militants in the island nation,
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today.

Mr Downer said he was pleased by the news that Guadalcanal and Malaitan militants in
the Solomons agreed to a ceasefire overnight.

"I warmly congratulate their representatives and the representatives of the Solomon
Islands Government, church and community groups who have done so much to bring this about,"

he said in a statement.

"I am very pleased that Australia has been able to help all the Solomon Islands parties
to participate constructively in these important negotiations on board the HMAS Tobruk.

"This is the first step in the peace process."

Mr Downer said no nation had provided more extensive support than Australia for security,
emergency humanitarian needs and peace-building initiatives since the emergence of ethnic
tension on Guadalcanal in December 1998.

"Now that a ceasefire has been concluded, we will be able to provide further substantial
assistance to underpin the peace process and help restore the national economy."

Mr Downer said he would send a high level team of officials to the Solomons as soon
as possible to hold talks with the government and community representatives on developing
a program of further assistance.

AAP daw/mfh/bdm/bwl

KEYWORD: SOLOMONS DOWNER

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