Solomons PM defends appointing jailed MPs to Cabinet

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has rejected criticism over naming two jailed MPs to his cabinet, saying the courts would handle the matter.

Australia, New Zealand and the European Union (EU) have condemned the appointments of Charles Dausebea and Nelson Ne'e, who have been denied bail after their arrest following riots that rocked Honiara last month.

The unrest, which saw much of the capital's Chinatown district destroyed, led to the resignation of prime minister Snyder Rini after just eight days in office and the election of Mr Sogavare to replace him.

The European Union "strongly encourages the formation of a government composed of ministers beyond reproach," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in a message to Mr Sogavare.

A statement released by Mr Sogavare's office says the Government "recognises the implications of the issues surrounding the appointments" and remains committed to good governance.

The fate of Mr Dausebea, named as Minister of Police and National Security, and Mr Ne'e, the new Culture Minister, was being left for the courts to decide, the statement said.

Mr Sogavare has already appointed two acting ministers to handle their portfolios.

-AFP

News source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/world/default.htm