Fed: Howard to visit Solomons to say thanks

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2003
Fed: Howard to visit Solomons to say thanks

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD will make a brief pre-Christmas visit to the Solomon Islands
on Monday to thank Australian personnel stationed there.

Mr HOWARD says he wants to convey the thanks of the Australian people to Australian
members of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomons.

He says they include members of the defence force, police, Australian Protective Service
and civilian advisers.

Most of the Australian military personnel will be home by Christmas.

Mr HOWARD says he'll review the progress of the Australian-led mission and be briefed
by the Solomon Islands government and the mission's special coordinator NICK WARNER.

He'll also meet Prime Minister ALLAN KEMAKEZA and senior ministers of the Solomons government.

The international mission went into the Solomons on July the 24th to restore law and
order to the Pacific nation.

AAP RTV mb/sb/rcg/rp/swe/rt

KEYWORD: SOLOMONS HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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