Troops Support Stability In Honiara

Friday, 21 April 2006

Troops Support Stability In Honiara

Australian troops are now having a significant calming effect on the situation in the Solomon Islands and have been greeted warmly by the local population. Joint patrols with the Participating Police Force are continuing with no significant incidents reported in the last 24 hours.

The ADF personnel are ensuring that they are highly visible and their presence is acting as a strong deterrent to potential trouble makers as they conduct patrols in and around Honiara. The strengthened military support to the Police is reassuring the local population that has now begun to return to markets and shops.

The arrival later today of an additional 110 soldiers from Australia will further strengthen the support available to the Police and contribute directly to the return to stability in Honiara. They will bring the total ADF numbers in the Solomon Islands to approximately 240.

ADF personnel are working closely with their counterparts from Papua New Guinea, Tonga and New Zealand. Australian Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Gallaway, who deployed with the Ready Company Group from Townsville on Wednesday, has now assumed command of the RAMSI military component.

The ADF soldiers are highly trained and able to react to a broad range of contingencies at short notice. The deployment of additional soldiers from Sydney today again demonstrates the ADF's ability to react swiftly.

The deployment of additional troops aims to ensure the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving law and order in the Solomon Islands. Australia remains determined to ensure that law and order established in the Solomon Islands is maintained.

ENDS

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