25 Aug 2004

Solomons farewells Ramsi coordinator Warner

2:27 pm on 25 August 2004

The Solomon Islands prime minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, has farewelled the outgoing co-ordinator of Regional Assistance Mission, Australian diplomat Nick Warner and welcomed his successor, James Batley .

In his tribute, Sir Allan thanked Mr Warner for his leadership of RAMSI and his contribution to restoring law and order.

He says Mr Warner has done sterling job in ensuring its objectives are achieved, adding that government finances have been stabilised, business confidence has returned and donors have come forward to help rebuild the country.

Sir Allan says Mr Warner's non-confrontational approach had resulted in the disarmament of militants without a single shot being fired.