Howard says Australia still maintains committment to Solomons

Australian Prime Minister John Howard says the outcome of a no confidence motion against the Solomon Islands Prime Minister does not affect Australia's commitment to the nation.

Manesseh Sogavare defeated the move yesterday. He has accused the Australian Government of trying to use the Solomons Opposition to oust him.

But Mr Howard says Australia's role in the Solomons and that of the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) forces is not political.

"Obviously the maintenance of RAMSI depends on an acceptance of RAMSI's presence by the Government of the Solomon Islands," Mr Howard said.

"But it is overwhelmingly in the interests of the people in the Solomon Islands that RAMSI continue.

"They're good for the people, they like it, it's not there to help one particular side of politics."

Source: ABC News