PNG offers Commision of Inquiry Chair and Member

by the SI Permanent Mission to UN

Papua New Guinea offered the services of retired Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet as Chair and Noel Levi, as one of the Commissioners in response to a request from the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

A statement from the Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the UN in New York said: “Prime Minister Sogavare sought Papua New Guinea’s assistance in providing Commissioners for Solomon Islands Commission of Inquiry.

”Papua New Guinea in true Melanesian Spirit promptly responded and offered the services of retired Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet as Chair and Noel Levi, as one of the Commissioners.”

The statement said the offer was made when Sogavare met his counter-part, Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, during the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

“Prime Minister Sogavare, briefed the Forum Chair on the background on the stand-off between Honiara and Canberra and reiterated Solomon Islands steadfast support for RAMSI’s role and contribution to Solomon Islands,” the statement said.

Noel Levi is a former Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea and former Secretary- General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Mr Sogavare thanked Papua New Guinea for its understanding and support.

Source: Government Communications Unit