THE Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands must remain peaceful after the exit of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) towards the end of June.

He adds, it is the responsibility of all Solomon Islanders and others living and working in the country to ensure peaceful co-existence.

Mr Sogavare made these sentiments while meeting with Australia’s Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Penny Williams in Honiara, May 17.

He said the peaceful environment RAMSI had ensured since its arrival in 2003 must be upheld, adding it is always heartening to see people have been moving around freely without harassment and intimidation since then.

Mr Sogavare said after the exit of RAMSI, the Police Force and people alike must appreciate peace, and sustain law and order at all times, adding national and provincial governments must ensure proper paths are taken.

But Prime Minister Sogavare told Ms Williams that sustainable peace cannot be ascertained without a sound economy.

He said Solomon Islands wants to build a vibrant economy to finance its health services, schools, such infrastructure services as roads and bridges, wharves and the agriculture and tourism sectors.

Mr Sogavare said while the country is grateful to Australia for footing the cost of RAMSI during the past 13 years, it is now time to help in building the national economy.

Ms Williams said while 44 RAMSI personnel will remain in the country after its withdrawal, Australia will change its focus from keeping law and order to helping Solomon Islands with the efforts to build a sound economy.

She agrees that to ensure economic growth Solomon Islands must allow peace to stay.

Ms Williams said a team from Canberra will visit Honiara in July to study what areas the Australian Government will help Solomon Islands to develop its economy under a development co-operation arrangement.

The idea of setting up a development co-operation between the two countries was discussed at the Australia-Solomon Islands Security Dialogue held in Honiara May 17.

By George Atkin,

Research Officer (Media Liaison) Caucus for PMC Press