Media Release
FA156 - 24 October 2002
Australia Supports New Solomon Islands Peace Body
I am pleased to announce Australia's support for the newly formed
Solomon Islands National Peace Council (NPC).
The establishment of the NPC is a further step towards restoring
peace.
The NPC's role will be to implement a new range of reconciliation
and national unity activities, as well as concluding some of the important
work of the Solomon Islands Peace Monitoring Council (PMC).
The recent high-level mission to the Solomon Islands recommended
support for a successor to the PMC as a key contribution to encouraging
the ongoing peace process.
The PMC, established on 15 October 2000 under the Townsville Peace
Agreement, was formally disbanded - exactly two years later - on 15
October. The same day, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister announced
the establishment of the NPC.
The NPC will continue some of the successful PMC programs, such as
weapons-free villages campaigns and mediation of disputes.
Over time, it is expected to adopt a program that will include activities
in support of national unity and the rule of law, civic education
and provision of advice to the Government. The PMC, and now the NPC,
play a very valuable role in the indigenous peace and reconciliation
process in Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands Government has appointed seven provisional Councillors
to the NPC - all continuing from the PMC - for a transitional period
of three months. The Councillors are all respected leaders, recognised
by the community for their efforts to work for peace and to bring
groups together.
Over the next three months Australia will provide the NPC with up
to $300,000 to support the transition from the PMC to the NPC and
the development of the structure and work program of the NPC. Australia
will also provide a policy adviser to the NPC, continuing a position
that provided support to the PMC.
Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Jo
Elsom (AusAID) 6206 4960
Local Date:
Tuesday, 22-May-2012 07:12:51 EST
