Australia's Foreign Minister goes to Solomons

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer (L) shakes hands with newly elected Solomon Islands PM Snyder Rini today. Ross Land / Getty Images

Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has traveled to the Solomon Islands today for talks with the new Prime Minister Snyder Rini.

Mr Downer said he was shocked by the violence of the last week as Mr Rini's oponents burned parts of Honiara in protest at his election.

He was expected to deliver a stern message to Mr Rini to tackle corruption.

He said he will also be discussing what strategies the Prime Minister has to address the deep seated tensions within the Solomon Islands community.

Mr Downer said further talks will be held with the Opposition parties to reinforce Australia's commitment to a democratic future for the country.

The comes just a day after Australia committed a further 110 soldiers to the security effort and New Zealand an extra 53.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said last night the NZ contingent would increase protection and help apprehend key offenders.

Although a dusk-to-dawn curfew and the heavy law enforcement presence has brought the situation under control, there are concerns in Honiara that political developments could trigger further outbreaks of violent dissent.

Helen Clark said the new deployment would bring New Zealand's presence in the Solomons to 192 -- 125 Defence Force personnel and 67 police.

Earlier this week 25 soldiers and 30 troops were sent in an initial response to the situation in Honiara.

Others were already there as part of the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI), which is in charge of security operations.

Helen Clark said the troops who will leave tomorrow were being sent in response to a request from RAMSI.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said a show of "overwhelming force'' should head off more rioting in Honiara.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA, NZPA