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RAMSI Concerned Over Re-Arming Solomon Is Police
RAMSI Concerned About Plans To Re-Arm Solomon Islands Police
The Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Tim George, today met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare to discuss RAMSI’s concern about the proposed re-arming of the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF).
Speaking after the meeting, Mr George explained that RAMSI was unable to support the re-arming plans at this time which appeared to be in train, and had three principal concerns:
“Firstly, there does not seem to be a satisfactory plan for training, purchasing, maintenance and security of weapons”, Mr George said.
“Secondly, and most important of all, RAMSI is not aware of evidence of broad support for re-arming the police among Solomon Islanders themselves.”
“Finally, RAMSI was concerned about the short timeframe intended for re-arming the Solomon Islands Police”, the RAMSI Special Coordinator said.
Mr George said that there would be a limited need in the future for the use of firearms to manage dangerous wildlife; fisheries and border control; and security of internationally protected people and dignitaries.
He said that RAMSI could support limited re-arming of the Solomon Islands Police but at least two key conditions would need to be met: the first being the development of a professional group of officers in relevant parts of the police force, with a thorough management plan for re-arming.
“There also needs to be broad community support for re-arming the police,“ Mr George said, noting the longstanding sensitivity about this issue in Solomon Islands.
Mr George reaffirmed that through the work of the Participating Police Force (PPF), RAMSI was helping the Solomon Islands Police Force to become a confident and well-trained force that Solomon Islanders could support and trust.
“The Solomon Islands Police Force is working hard to become a truly professional, modern police force with high standards and integrity. The 15 Pacific countries that contribute to the PPF are proud to support this work,” Mr George said.
ENDS
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