Annan calls for peaceful resolution of disturbances in Solomon Islands

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the people of the Solomon Islands to refrain from violence and re-commit themselves to a peaceful and constitutional resolution of their differences after post-election disturbances in the South Pacific country.

In a statement issued by his spokesman in New York, Mr. Annan pledged UN assistance to regional efforts to find a solution.

“The Secretary-General expresses concern over civil disturbances in the Solomon Islands following the election of the Prime Minister on 18 April,” the statement said.

“He calls on the people of Solomon Islands to refrain from acts of violence and reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful and constitutional resolution of their differences in a spirit of goodwill which they convincingly demonstrated during the general elections.

The statement welcomed support provided to the Government of Solomon Islands by the Pacific Islands Forum, which has deployed a Regional Assistance Mission to the country to restore order, and pledged to complement those efforts.