PM Philip Pleased With Peaceful Security Situation

PM Philip Pleased With Peaceful Security Situation

Newly elected Prime Minister Hon Danny Philip is pleased with the peaceful public behavior during his election today.

Immediately after his swearing-in at Government House, Mr Philip heartedly acknowledged both the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and RAMSI forces for ensuring no repeat of violence that marred the 2006 election of Snyder Rini.

“I would like to thank everyone in Honiara for the respect and peaceful outcome of my election today. I salute you all for your respect and good behavior. I also thank police and RAMSI forces for keeping peace and order in today’s election,” Hon Philip said.

Police have put on a high security operation starting Monday this week in efforts avoid a repeat of violence. A liquor ban is also in place and a special public holiday is declared for civil servants in Honiara during today’s Prime Ministerial election.

Prime Minister Philip said the events of April 2006 were a sad history for the nation, adding that those dark days “are now water under the bridge”.

Meanwhile, RAMSI Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, today congratulated Hon. Danny Philip, on his election as Prime Minister and pledged to work closely with the new government.

“RAMSI stands ready to work with the new government in a spirit of true partnership," Mr Wilson said.

“We believe that Solomon Islands can have a bright future and would like to work closely with the new government to contribute to that goal.”

Mr Wilson welcomed the Prime Minister’s assurance that he wanted to work with RAMSI.

“We have every confidence that, through close dialogue and consultation, we can build a genuine and constructive partnership with the new government that will serve Solomon Islands best interests.” “As a nation, Solomon Islands still face many challenges and there is much hard work to be done,” the Special Coordinator said.

“Those challenges include helping the economy to grow, continuing the work of fostering reconciliation and peace between various communities, and restoring the people’s faith in government through a more open and transparent system, as well as working to reduce corruption.”

“RAMSI looks forward to playing an appropriate role in supporting the new government’s efforts to deal with these challenges.” “I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Philip and his cabinet to learn more about their plans and priorities.”

Mr Wilson said he also wished to congratulate all members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and RAMSI’s police and military contingents who had supported the RSIPF during the recent election period.

“Over the past six weeks, these men and women displayed great professionalism and dedication, working long, hard hours to make sure there was a safe and secure environment for Solomon Islands democratic processes to proceed unhindered”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media