Solomon Islands 2007 Budget meeting kicks off today

The Solomon Islands 2007 Budget is expected to dominate government business when parliament meets today in its first sitting for 2007.

Clerk to National Parliament, Mrs Taeasi Sanga says today's meeting of parliament will open at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Mrs Sanga says apart from the presentation of various reports from different Government Ministries, the main business of Parliament will be the National Budget 2007.

She says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will introduce the Bill when he formally announces Government business in this sitting of parliament.

Meanwhile, it is understood that police and RAMSI officers will be increasing their presence around the Solomon Islands capital today for the resumption of parliament.

Police will focus on stepping-up security around Parliament House and in the business district of Honiara, which were targeted by rioters and looters in April last year.

But the speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament does not expect there will be any trouble when parliament resumes.

Sir Peter Kenilorea told Radio Australia that while people may disagree with political decisions, it is unlikely it would get out of hand.

Source: SIBC