TMCnet News
Australia sends 180 extra soldiers and police to Solomons to restore order in capital after election of new PM(IRN News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Australia is sending 180 extra soldiers and police to the Solomon Islands to restore order in the capital Honiara. One hundred and 10 soldiers are being sent from Townsville along with 70 Federal Police officers. They are due to arrive tonight in four RAAF Hercules transports. Australian Prime Minister John Howard says those who oppose the election of Prime Minister Snyder Rini need to respect the democratic process. He says his country will not stand idly by and let that happen. New Zealand already has a platoon of troops in the Solomons and a Hercules is on standby in case more are needed. Rioters set fire to shops in Chinatown, razing many buildings in protest at the election of Mr Rini. Two New Zealand and 17 Australian police officers were injured battling the rioters. Police have now abandoned the business and retail heart of Honiara to the mercy of looters and arsonists. Authorities say officers have decided to leave Chinatown because of the risk posed to them. A New Zealander has asked to be evacuated and several others have sought help from the High Commission in Honiara. The New Zealand High Commissioner says there are no plans at this stage to evacuate New Zealanders from the Solomons. |