austraLasia
1533
Solomon's capital
smoulders as Chinese are attacked
HONIARA:
20th April 2006 -- Don Bosco Henderson's Rector, Fr Luciano Capelli,
confirms the news carried by major outlets about rioting and looting in Honiara
following the election of a new Prime Minister two days ago. Fr Capelli
notes that both Italy and Solomons have had elections where losers are unhappy,
but the difference is that the peace is so fragile in the Solomon Islands that
even the normally well-prepared multinational force of police, running under the
acronym of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) was taken by
surprise. The 250 strong force was unable to cope with yesterday's
outbreak of violence where Chinese business quarters and homes were burned, a
major hotel set on fire, and more than 20 of the RAMSI force
injured.
The 'Happi Isles' have deep hurts not far from
the surface, hurts which erupted four years ago into major conflict. The
largely New Zealand and Australian forces had helped to quell general
lawlessness three years back, caused by murderous gangs and general
corruption. The Prime Minister elect, previously deputy Prime Minister, is
seen by some to be linked to corrupt deals and to favour Chinese business
interests.
The Japanese embassy issued an alert to its
nationals yesterday too, and Bro Suzuki sdb was among those who received alerts
suggesting that it would be wiser to remain indoors until order is
restored. The Australian Government has airlifted additional police and
armed military personnel to the archipelago - some dozen Australian policemen
were injured yesterday in the riots.
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