Fed: PM to visit Solomon Islands today
CANBERRA, Aug 25 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard leaves Townsville today for a lightningfive-hour visit to the Solomon Islands.
The main purpose of the whirlwind tour is to thank the Australian-led interventionforce for their efforts in restoring law and order to the troubled Pacific island nation.
Mr Howard will also hold talks with Solomons Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza, whooriginally asked for Australian intervention.
The Australian warship HMAS Manoora will for the first time dock in the capital Honiarato put on a morning tea for Mr Howard, who is the first Australian prime minister to visitthe Solomons in more than a decade.
The Manoora forms part of the 1,900-strong military contingent supporting about 200police restoring peace after five years of ethnic fighting.
Mr Howard said he hoped the military force in the Solomons could be reduced beforetoo long, but the police presence would be long-term.
AAP sm/sjb/bwl
KEYWORD: SOLOMONS HOWARD DAYLEAD
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