Australia Welcomes the Report of the Eminent Persons Group on RAMSI

I welcome the very positive and constructive report released on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The report was prepared by an Eminent Persons Group appointed by the Pacific Islands Forum at the request of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Alan Kemakeza.

The report highlights the excellent progress made by RAMSI in the two years since the mission began on 24 July 2003. Law and order has returned to this once troubled nation and the government's finances are now well managed. Crucially, the report found that a large majority of the people of Solomon Islands believe in RAMSI and want it to continue with its work.

The report provides some useful guidance for RAMSI, the Solomon Islands Government and the Pacific Islands Forum on how to make the most of these early gains and translate them into long term improvements in governance and economic development for the Solomon Islands nation and its people.

As the Eminent Persons Group points out, there remains much work to be done to rebuild Solomon Islands. Many of the underlying problems that led to the ethnic tensions remain to be fully addressed. The RAMSI operation will require a long term commitment from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island countries. The Eminent Persons Group recommended that the tenure of the mission be linked to the achievements of tasks rather than being time bound. Australia is committed to supporting RAMSI until the task is completed.

Media inquiries : Ministerial 02 6277 7500, DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555