LEADER BLAMES FOREIGN POWERS FOR UNREST
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today blamed foreign interference over his government’s decision to switch alliances from Taiwan to Beijing for anti-government protests, arson and looting that have ravaged the nation’s capital of Honiara in recent days.
Sogavare angered many in 2019, particularly leaders of the Solomon Islands’ most populous province, Malaita, when he cut the country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
A plane carrying Australian police and diplomats arrived late Thursday in Honiara, where they will help local police efforts to restore order after a second day of violent anti-government protests, Defense Minister Peter Dutton said.
Sogavare said he stood by his government’s decision to embrace Beijing, which he described as the “only issue” in the violence, which was “unfortunately influenced and encouraged by other powers.”
External pressures were a “very big influence. I don’t want to name names. We’ll leave it there,” Sogavare told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“I’m not going to bow down to anyone. We are intact, the government’s intact, and we’re going to defend democracy,” he added.
Sogavare’s critics also blame complaints about a lack of government services and corruption for the unrest.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne did not agree that other countries had stirred up the unrest.
“We’ve been very clear. Our view is we don’t want to see violence. We would very much hope for a return to stability,” she added.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday committed troops, police and diplomats to help local police restore order and protect critical infrastructure.
Australia would not assist in the protection of the National Parliament and the executive buildings, in a sign that Australia was not taking political sides.