4 Aug 2006

Former Guadalcanal militants petition Solomons PM

11:19 am on 4 August 2006

In Solomon Islands, former Guadalcanal militants have petitioned the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to address outstanding issues with the national government.

The Guadalcanal Premier, Abel Arabola, says he led a delegation to Prime Minister Sogavare to discuss the former militants' grievances.

Their petition is understood to focus on unfulfilled demands by the Isatabu Freedom Fighters, led by Guadalcanal warlord Harold Keke, who is now serving a life sentence for murder.

Among the demands are the adoption of a Federal or State Government system and a fairer distribution of financial resources derived in each province according to economic activities in the province.

Premier Arabola says his delegation held fruitful discussions with the Prime Minister and he has conveyed the Prime Minister's verbal response to the former militants.

He says the Provincial Government is now waiting for a written response from the Prime Minister's Office.