austraLasia 1533
Solomon's capital smoulders as Chinese are attacked
HONIARA: 20th April 2006 -- Don Bosco Henderson's Rector, Fr Luciano Capelli, confirms the news carried by major outlets about rioting and looting in Honiara following the election of a new Prime Minister two days ago. Fr Capelli notes that both Italy and Solomons have had elections where losers are unhappy, but the difference is that the peace is so fragile in the Solomon Islands that even the normally well-prepared multinational force of police, running under the acronym of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) was taken by surprise. The 250 strong force was unable to cope with yesterday's outbreak of violence where Chinese business quarters and homes were burned, a major hotel set on fire, and more than 20 of the RAMSI force injured.
The 'Happi Isles' have deep hurts not far from the surface, hurts which erupted four years ago into major conflict. The largely New Zealand and Australian forces had helped to quell general lawlessness three years back, caused by murderous gangs and general corruption. The Prime Minister elect, previously deputy Prime Minister, is seen by some to be linked to corrupt deals and to favour Chinese business interests.
The Japanese embassy issued an alert to its nationals yesterday too, and Bro Suzuki sdb was among those who received alerts suggesting that it would be wiser to remain indoors until order is restored. The Australian Government has airlifted additional police and armed military personnel to the archipelago - some dozen Australian policemen were injured yesterday in the riots.
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AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com Try out BoscoWiki to be interactive. For RSS feeds, subscribe to www.bosconet.aust.com/RSS/rssala.xml
Solomon's capital smoulders as Chinese are attacked
HONIARA: 20th April 2006 -- Don Bosco Henderson's Rector, Fr Luciano Capelli, confirms the news carried by major outlets about rioting and looting in Honiara following the election of a new Prime Minister two days ago. Fr Capelli notes that both Italy and Solomons have had elections where losers are unhappy, but the difference is that the peace is so fragile in the Solomon Islands that even the normally well-prepared multinational force of police, running under the acronym of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) was taken by surprise. The 250 strong force was unable to cope with yesterday's outbreak of violence where Chinese business quarters and homes were burned, a major hotel set on fire, and more than 20 of the RAMSI force injured.
The 'Happi Isles' have deep hurts not far from the surface, hurts which erupted four years ago into major conflict. The largely New Zealand and Australian forces had helped to quell general lawlessness three years back, caused by murderous gangs and general corruption. The Prime Minister elect, previously deputy Prime Minister, is seen by some to be linked to corrupt deals and to favour Chinese business interests.
The Japanese embassy issued an alert to its nationals yesterday too, and Bro Suzuki sdb was among those who received alerts suggesting that it would be wiser to remain indoors until order is restored. The Australian Government has airlifted additional police and armed military personnel to the archipelago - some dozen Australian policemen were injured yesterday in the riots.
If you have further comment on this item, please got to BoscoWiki austraLasia page.
_________________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com Try out BoscoWiki to be interactive. For RSS feeds, subscribe to www.bosconet.aust.com/RSS/rssala.xml
