austraLasia 1533
Solomon's capital smoulders as Chinese are attacked
HONIARA: 20th April 2006 -- Don Bosco Henderson's
Rector, Fr Luciano Capelli, confirms the news carried by major outlets
about rioting and looting in Honiara following the election of a new
Prime Minister two days ago. Fr Capelli notes that both Italy and
Solomons have had elections where losers are unhappy, but the
difference is that the peace is so fragile in the Solomon Islands that
even the normally well-prepared multinational force of police, running
under the acronym of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands) was taken by surprise. The 250 strong force was unable
to cope with yesterday's outbreak of violence where Chinese business
quarters and homes were burned, a major hotel set on fire, and more
than 20 of the RAMSI force injured.
The 'Happi Isles' have deep hurts not far from the
surface, hurts which erupted four years ago into major conflict.
The largely New Zealand and Australian forces had helped to quell
general lawlessness three years back, caused by murderous gangs and
general corruption. The Prime Minister elect, previously deputy
Prime Minister, is seen by some to be linked to corrupt deals and to
favour Chinese business interests.
The Japanese embassy issued an alert to its
nationals yesterday too, and Bro Suzuki sdb was among those who
received alerts suggesting that it would be wiser to remain indoors
until order is restored. The Australian Government has airlifted
additional police and armed military personnel to the archipelago -
some dozen Australian policemen were injured yesterday in the riots.
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