Troop deployments extended

New Zealand has extended troop deployments in the Solomon Islands and the Sinai Peninsula, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

The deployment of up to 50 Defence Force personnel to the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands (Ramsi) has been extended until March 2009.

Mr Goff said New Zealand's commitment of up to 26 soldiers to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) based in the Sinai - between Israel and Eygpt - has been extended until April 2010.

The Defence Force has contributed to Ramsi since the mission's inception in 2003.

New Zealand also has 35 police officers in Solomon Islands.

New Zealand has participated in the MFO since its inception in 1982, and plays an important role in supporting the MFO's task of ensuring peace on the border between Egypt and Israel, Mr Goff said.

- NZPA