THE Solomon Islands has awarded Prime Minister John Howard the nation's highest honour for Australia's role in restoring security in the Pacific country. The Star of the Solomon Islands was awarded to both Mr Howard and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark as co-leaders with the Solomons Government in the peace effort, the New Zealand Government said. An Australian-led contingent of 3000 military police and civilian personnel known as the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) began operations in the troubled nation in July 2003.
The Solomons Government invited the mission after law and order broke down on the islands amid fighting between warring factions. Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena presented the award to Ms Clark yesterday in Wellington. "I am honoured to accept this award, on behalf of those New Zealanders who made a dedicated contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in the Solomon Islands," Ms Clark said. |