Democracy is the foundation of Solomon Islands: Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said democracy remains the foundation of Solomon Islands political system. Addressing the 61st United Nations General Assembly on saturday he said in April his government came into power after the country’s seventh national election.

Mr Sogavare thanked the United Nations and other donor partners for helping to ensure a successful elections in the country early this year. He says despite the positive verdict by the international observers, a minor hiccup during the second part of the election resulted in three days of riots.

Mr Sogavare says the incident was a wake up call, to do more for development for its growing population. He says stability has been restored and a Commission of Enquiry has been set up to look into the matter.

Mr Sogavare says his government has put in place legislation to strengthen party system in the country to ensure political stability. Meanwhile, he renews Solomon Islands' call on the United Nations to recognize Taiwan.

Mr Sogavare urges that the right of the 23 million people of Taiwan be represented at the United Nations. He says Solomon Islands registers its disappointment that its right to discuss the issue was denied last week. Mr Sogavare says Solomon Islands feels the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter continue to be violated.

He says its time the UN live within the rules that guide the behaviour and conduct of members and have an honest debate on the issue. Mr Sogavare says Solomon Islands is also concerned on security threats on the Taiwan Strait.

He also calls on the United Nations to mediate with the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and others solve the issue.

Source: SIBC