Hundreds of foreign troops are patrolling the streets of the Solomon Islands capital Friday, on the first day of an international operation aimed at restoring law and order in the war-torn Pacific nation. More than 2,000 soldiers and police — from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific nations — have taken up positions in the capital, Honiara, and are expected to be deployed around the main island of Guadalcanal. The head of the Australian-led intervention force, Nick Warner, says Australian and Solomons police have instituted joint patrols. A senior Australian police officer says militants already have surrendered some weapons.
| "Really, sir, it is not at all necessary that you kill me. Here are some of my favorite weapons as a gesture of my good faith. Would you like some breadfruit?" |
|