A spokesman for the Opposition Party of Solomon Islands, Gordon
Darcy Lilo, said Wednesday his party has written a letter of
apology to Chinese Solomon Islanders who left islands following
riots.
According to reports from Radio New Zealand International
(RNZI), Lilo said the letter is "asking them (the Chinese) to come
back to the islands."
On April 18 the protests turned into the most serious rioting
and looting seen in the country since 2003 when Australia, New
Zealand and other Pacific governments intervened to help end years
of bloody conflict between ethnic gangs.
The Chinese were among the biggest victims of the riots.
Chinatown was nearly leveled following looting and arson.
Hundreds of Chinese left the country with the help of the
Chinese Embassies in the region.
Lilo also said the previous government failed to deliver and
people deserved a change in leadership. He said this after the
resignation Wednesday of Rini as Prime Minister of the state after
just a week in office.
The Solomon islands could have a new Prime Minister as early as
Monday, said RNZI. It said Rini's resignation has been greeted with
public jubilation in the capital Honiara.
Protesters and opposition MPs accused him of corrupt links to
prominent local business leaders and of accepting cash from Taiwan.
The MPs will now hold another secret ballot to replace Rini.
Rini will remain caretaker Prime Minister until MPs hold a fresh
election.
(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2006)