Sogavare led government does not have a re-armament policy: Haomae

The Solomon Islands Opposition's Shadow Minister of Police and National Security, William Haomae says the Sogavare Government does not have a policy on re-arming the local Police Force.

Mr Haomae says that there is no policy on the proposed re-armament program in the Government's Policy Translation and Implementation Document. The Document was recently released by the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet.

Mr Haomae's clarification comes after the Minister of Police and National Security, Isaac Inoke stating the plan to re-arm local police is part of the government's policy.

Hon Haomae added the government's intention to re-arm the Police Force will pre-empt any results or recommendations of the current review of the Regional Assistance Mission as required by the Facilitation Act.

The review is scheduled to be debated in Parliament later this year.

Mr Haomae says only the Parliament has the right to decide on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands, whether or not to re-arm the Police Force.

He also says that any intention by the Government to advance a policy to re-arm the police at this time will be untimely, inconsistent and a political expediency that is not in the interest of the nation.

Source: SIBC