30 Dec 2004

Fiji eyes boost to Ramsi effort in Solomon Islands

4:56 pm on 30 December 2004

Reports from Fiji say the country may boost the number of Fiji police serving in Solomon Islands, and perhaps take a leadership role in the regional assistance mission.

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation says talks are under way to increase the Fiji police contingent operating in the Solomons under Ramsi to 30.

It quotes Police Senior Superintendent Romanu Tikotikoca as saying the situation in the Solomons is tense following the fatal shooting of Australian police officer Adam Dunning.

Superintendent Tikotikoca says any boost in numbers -- and a role for high-ranking Fiji officers in Ramsi's top management -- do not yet have the approval of Ramsi.