27 May 2010

EU budgetary grant to Solomon Islands reflects gain in trust

8:47 am on 27 May 2010

The European Union says the fact that Solomon Islands has qualified for extra funding of almost 19 million US dollars reflects the EU's increasing trust in its commitment to essential reforms.

The charge d'affaires of the Solomon Islands EU delegation says the grant, which is intended to help bridge a budgetary gap caused by the global economic crisis, will be paid after the general election expected in August.

Dr Abdoul Aziz Mbaye says Solomon Islands has had to meet strict criteria in order to qualify for budget support.

"It will be paid in one tranche, in one go, when the election will be completed, and the new government will be in place and will have confirmed the kind of commitment to reform, commitment to national development policies and commitment to stability-oriented, macro-economic policies. These are the situation as it is now."

The leader of the EU delegation to Solomon Islands, Dr Abdoul Aziz Mbaye.