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HONIARA - Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has warned Solomon Islanders that attempts are being made to undermine Australian efforts to help their country.
In a letter to Solomon Islanders published in the country's newspapers today, Downer said obstacles were being placed in the path of the Australian-led
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (Ramsi).
He also warned against Solomons government plans to re-arm the nation's police against the wishes of most Solomon Islanders.
Solomons prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has been embroiled in a series of diplomatic spats with Canberra since his election in May and has threatened to oust the Australian component of Ramsi.
The mission arrived in mid-2003 to restore law and order and good governance following years of ethnic unrest.
Downer said the Solomons was once again at a crossroads but most Solomon Islanders supported Ramsi and wanted the mission to stay.
"Solomon Islands is a very different place now than it was prior to Ramsi's arrival.
"I also know each and every one of you remembers only too well the fear and intimidation, the breakdown in basic services, the closure of hospitals schools and medical clinics, the hopelessness that took over so many of your lives."
Downer said Australians and other Pacific neighbours remained committed to working in the Solomons to prevent a return to those bad old days
"Sadly there seems to be a deliberate push to undermine Ramsi, to tarnish its reputation and make it hard for it to continue its work."
The Solomons government had also talked of removing legal protections which allow RAMSI personnel to undertake their work efficiently and independently, Downer said.
There had also been a shameful allegation that prostitution was being allowed on the Ramsi base near Honiara but no evidence was produced to justify that claim, Downer said.
"More recently the outrageous allegation was made in a Solomon Islands court that Australia was behind an alleged plot to assassinate your prime minister.
"Not only is this not true, it is a grave insult to the people and government of Australia."
Downer said Solomons government moves to re-arm the nation's police force were of very great concern.
It was too early yet for such a sensitive step and most Solomon islanders were opposed to the move, he said.
Downer also expressed concern about the appointment of Julian Moti as the Solomons attorney-general when Moti, an Australian citizen, was wanted in Australia to face child sex charges.
Solomons police commissioner Shane Castles, an Australian, had been banned from re-entering the Solomons without any reason been given, Downer said.
"Australia wants to continue to help Solomons Islands face the challenge of your nation's future.
"But we are finding this increasingly difficult due to the obstacles being placed in our path.
"The coming weeks and months will be a critical time," Downer said.
- AAP
