Sogavare condemns gov’t links with Iran

OPPOSITION leader, Manasseh Sogavare has condemned the Government's move to sign a bilateral agreement with Iran.

Mr Sogavare issued the condemnation when he appeared before the Foreign Relation Committee yesterday in parliament.

This was the committee tasked to review the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). It has resumed its hearing.

Mr Sogavare said the Government’s move was shocking because Iran was accused by the US of backing terrorism.

"While we are a sovereign country, and we have the right to enter into any bilateral arrangement, we have principles to follow," Mr Sogavare said.He said the tradition is for Solomon Islands to enter into bilateral agreement with countries that share common values with us.

Mr Sogavare said the Sikua Government’s decision does not reflect well on a government that boasts good governance principles.Attempts to get comments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday on this were unsuccessful.

SOURCE:solomonstarnews