RAMSI ready to work with Forum review team

RAMSI ready to work with Forum review team

The Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Tim George, today agreed that the Pacific Islands Forum review of RAMSI should take place as soon as possible.

Mr George reiterated that RAMSI welcomed the Forum review and was ready to work with the review team.

“RAMSI welcomes the review that was agreed at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Nadi last October,” Mr George said.

“As a regional mission, we welcome input by Pacific Islands contributing countries. We valued the Forum Eminent Persons Group and implemented the key findings of the report.

“The regional nature of RAMSI has recently strengthened even further now that all members of the Pacific Islands Forum participate. We were very pleased to welcome the Niue police contingent who arrived late last year.”

Pacific Islands Islands countries are represented in the civilian, police and military components of the mission including at very senior levels. The Assistant Special Coordinator Masi Lomaloma is a senior Fijian public servant. He works as part of the executive team alongside Mr George, and Deputy Special Coordinator Paul Ash who is a senior New Zealand diplomat.

Mr George said that RAMSI is keen for greater Pacific Islands participation and is working with the Forum Secretariat to address the issue.

“For example, there were particular successes last year with recruitment from PNG and Tonga in the law and justice area,” he said.

“Despite recent events, Fiji remains a participant in RAMSI.

“Fijians continue to work in the civilian and police programs making a valuable contribution.”

ends

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