The decision by the Australian government to lead a multinational peacekeeping force to the troubled Solomon Islands has been welcomed both within the Pacific region and internationally as an
important step in resolving the problems evident in this resource rich and strategically important nation. The move highlights a very significant change in the foreign policy of the Australian government
which came about after the failure of a previously preferred diplomatic option.

The move also heralds in a significant new scenario in the manner of resolution of post colonial unrest in the Pacific region.

The deployment of a multinational peacekeepng force was unanimously agreed to by Pacific Island Foreign Ministers at a meeting in Sydney, Australia. The force would be operating under the Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police, William Morrell.

The bulk of the force will be made up by Australia with a significant contribution being pledged from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa.

In addition, the French government has expressed interest in contributing to an Australian-led peacekeeping force. In this respect, the French are well situated to contribute with more than 2,000
troops, three frigates and transport planes in its
territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

This offer of assistance from the French government was rebuffed by the Australian government, citing France's chequered history as a colonial power. It was a decision with which the French appeared to agree and it is understood that France may still provide logistical and financial support.

The precise nature of the peacekeeping involvement has been indicated in a briefing paper prepared by Australian and New Zealand officials for the Solomon Islands cabinet. This document entitled: COMPASI (Comprehensive Package of Strengthened Assistance to Solomon Islands) indicates the three main areas of
intervention as being "police, military and economic development".

Police and troops serving in the Solomon Islands will be allowed to shoot and kill if necessary and will be supported by helicopters, patrol boats and armoured vehicles. In addition to this, some 70 civilian officials will be inserted into key ministries and
administrative areas such as treasury, customs and inland revenue in order that these areas are able to function effectively.

Continuing ethnic violence in the Solomon Islands since 1998 has resulted in the Solomon Islands Police Force having virtually no control of the country outside of the capital of Honiara. This has produced an environment which has resulted three years ago in the emergence of Harold Keke as an ethnic warlord in the remote Weathercoast region of the Solomon Islands. Located on the main island of Guadalcanal, the Weathercoast has no direct access road to the capital, Honiara, although an increasing number of refugees are now undertaking the difficult walk
to Honiara.

This has been done to escape from the influence of Harold Keke who is allegedly responsible for up to fifty deaths on the Weathercoast. Indeed, Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, delivered a
blunt message to Keke indicating that he would be dealt with by the intervention force - the exact manner of which will be made on the basis of an on-the-ground assessment following the arrival of the Australian and New Zealand contingent.

The deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force will not in itself address or rectify the fundamental causes of the civil conflict in the Solomon Islands. It will, however, in conjunction with an increase in overseas aid, provide a suitable and much needed
circuit breaker to allow the restoration of fundamental government services as well as providing a spring board for the elimination of government and other corruption which, on present estimates,
accounts for up to ninety per cent of the country's consolidated revenue.

It is now 25 years since the Solomon Islands gained their Independence from Britain on the 7th July, 1978. It has taken 25 years for the fabric of the society to unravel highlighting the need for the present intervention to put into place the civilian matters necessary for a stable and modern society.

To achieve a lasting peace in the Solomon Islands may well involve some unpalatable medicine being forced upon the local people. Issues that will need to be addressed include land title, clan loyalties and
ethnic divisions which have led to social conflict as one group constantly attempts to appropriate wealth and resources at the expense of others.
http://www.janeresture.com/solhome/index.htm

Malaita-Guadalcanal Crisis in the Solomon Islands
by Bernard Cloutier
http://berclo.net/page02/02en-solomon.html

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