Fed: Don't travel to the SOlomon Islands: Australian government

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2006
Fed: Don't travel to the SOlomon Islands: Australian government

CANBERRA, April 19 AAP - The federal government has warned Australians against travelling
to the strife-torn Solomon Island.

Political unrest broke out in the capital Honiara yesterday after MPs chose Snyder
Rini as the new prime minister in a general election dominated by allegations of corruption.

The violence spread overnight and degenerated into a spree of looting and arson in
parts of Honiara, mostly in Chinatown at the eastern end of the city.

In its latest travel advisory issued this afternoon, the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade warned Australians against travelling to the troubled nation.

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Solomon Islands at this time because
of continuing significant civil unrest in Honiara following the announcement on 18 April
of the results of the recent prime ministerial elections," the advisory reads.

"You should avoid unnecessary travel and crowds in and around the city centre, eastern
Honiara and Chinatown areas in particular.

"If you decide to travel to Solomon Islands, you should exercise extreme caution. Monitor
the media for information about possible new safety or security risks."

The Australian government has also called on citizens in, or about to enter, the Solomon
Islands to register their contact and travel details in case of an emergency.

AAP ms/sw/jas/de

KEYWORD: SOLOMONS DFAT

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