Prime Minister maintains his government's stand on diplomatic row

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has maintained his government’s decision to have Australia recall its diplomat in Solomon Islands Patrick Cole.

This message was conveyed by Mr Sogavare to the two envoys from Canberra and Wellington who had a brief meeting with him yesterday afternoon.

The Australian High Commissioner Mr Cole has been declared a ‘persona non grata’ in Solomon Islands.

This means that the Solomon Islands Government no longer recognize Mr Cole as Australia's representative.

Mr Cole is expected to leave the country shortly.

Source: SIBC