By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Foreign Minister of Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki, has reported that Iran is ready to provide the Solomon Islands with engineering information to help with the country’s development.  In a meeting with the Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister, William Haomae, Mottaki said that Iran could help the Solomon Islands with energy, trade, education, industry, mining, and urban development.

The Opposition leader has condemned the move claiming Iran does not “believe in the principles of democracy.”  Western province Premier Alex Lokopio has also condemned the move to establish ties with Iran claiming, “it’s too early to make such a move because we have some of our traditional allies who are not in good terms with Iran.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has clarified the move.  “Solomon Islands are yet to establish diplomatic relations with Iran.  It has however signed a Cooperative Memorandum with Iran which basically allows for the two countries to explore specific cooperative arrangements, including the possibility of formalizing diplomatic relations.”  The government has also pointed out that Iran has diplomatic relations with 102 countries, including both Australia and New Zealand.

Iran and Solomon Islands are both members of the Group of Developing Countries in the United Nations, the Cooperative Memorandum was signed to be within the spirit of South-South Cooperation.

For more information, please see:
Solomon Star News – Lokopio slams govt ties with Iran – 03 November 2008

Pacific Islands Report – Iran Joins Pacific Hunt, Offers Solomons Aid – 03 November 2008

Islands Business – Iran, Solomon Islands to bolster ties – 31 October 2008