PNG’s role in Ramsi lauded

PAPUA New Guinea’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (Ramsi) is highly valued, the special co-ordinator of Ramsi Tim George said.
“PNG makes a valuable contribution to Ramsi in the areas of military, police and civil. PNG participants understand and relate well to their counterparts in the Solomon Islands. That has been a real plus,” he said at a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Minister Paul Tiensten yesterday.
“We were keen to come to PNG because PNG is a key player in the region and an important part of Ramsi.”
Mr George added that the consultative meetings held two weeks ago in Honiara, chaired by Foreign Affairs Secretary Gabriel Pepson, was a useful exercise, adding he welcomed a review of Ramsi.
“We appreciate that. Forum review will look at different aspects of what Ramsi is doing in SI,” he said.
Mr George also welcomed the rearming issue. However, he said it was a very sensitive issue.
“The Solomon Islands’ prime minister wanted to rearm its special protective unit.
“We (Ramsi) felt that it was inappropriate to rearm the police. We did not believe that there was sufficient level of public confidence yet in the Solomon Islands for that step to be taken.”
He said Ramsi would leave when there was confidence, security and stability in the Solomon Islands, adding there was still more work to be done.