24 Feb 2005

Draft of Solomons federal constitution readied for cabinet consideration

3:10 pm on 24 February 2005

The draft of the Solomon Islands new constitution is to be finalised for presentation to the national parliament in June.

The commerce minister, Walton Naezon, says consultation has been completed for the document to go to cabinet.

Mr Naezon says the draft constitution reflects the will of the people and could change the country's name to the Federal Republic of Solomon Islands.

The minister says federalism is a government system that recognizes the fact that the government below it must share powers with it.