16 Aug 2006

Solomons National Party vows loyalty to government

7:15 pm on 16 August 2006

The new president of the National Party of Solomon Islands, Warren Paia, says the party will remain loyal to the government.

Mr Paia who is the former foreign secretary made the comment after the party's former leader, Francis Billy Hilly, was sacked from cabinet last week.

Mr Paia says for the time being the government can rest assured that it has the support of his party, but changes will have to be made soon.

"We still support the government of the day but we reserve the right to review our position in the not too distant future."

Mr Billy Hilly was sacked over his refusal to withdraw the memorandum of understanding signed between the National party and the Chinese government.

The Solomon Islands government has diplomatic ties with Taiwan.