Howard demands return for Solomons Aid

Australia Prime Minister John Howard says he has no doubt the people of the Solomon Islands want Australia to remain involved with their country.

A diplomatic row between the two countries continues, centering around the Solomons' Government's expulsion of Australia's High Commissioner, Patrick Cole.

The Federal Government is now making it harder for Solomons' politicians to visit Australia.

Mr Howard says if Australia is to continue pouring money into the Solomon Islands, there must be something in return.

"Our goal is to help the people of the Solomon Islands," he said.

"We're not trying to take sides politically but we are determined that if Australia is to continue to pour the millions of dollars of our taxpayers' money into that country, that in return we have to see some improvement in economic growth and some reduction in corruption and some improvement in governance."

Source: ABC News