22 Jul 2008

Former Solomons militants dismiss claims of involvement in motion

8:25 pm on 22 July 2008

Former Solomon Islands militants are dismissing claims of involvement in an up coming motion of no confidence in the Government of Derek Sikua.

This comes after claims by Cabinet Minister Fred Fono that Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare is using the former militants to try and overturn the government.

But a former Malaitan Eagle Force leader, Moses Su'u, rejects the claim.

He says they have no wish to be involved in politics but want recognition of their rehabilitation needs.

Mr Su'u says successive government have failed to keep to the peace agreement clauses on the rehabilitation of former militants from both sides of the conflict.

He says it is a matter that needs to be addressed urgently to avoid former militants slipping back into crime.

Another former militant, Andrew Fioga, says he and his colleagues would prefer to remain neutral in the political fight.

He says no rehabilitation of former militants has taken place in the country since the deployment of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands in 2003.