PM LILO TO PUSH FOR EFFECTIVE COOPERATION WITH USA

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo will be pushing for effective cooperation with the United States.

PM Lilo told local reporters, he looks forward to having dialogue with the US Secretary of State John Kerry about effective cooperation, when Kerry visits the country this week.

He also thanked the United States Government and the US Secretary of State John Kerry for the planned visit saying it is a gesture of interest shown by United States of America to Solomon Islands.

Mr Lilo said it will be an opportunity for Solomon Islands to put on the table some of its concerns when Kerry visits.

He said island countries are facing a lot of crisis including climate change – a global issue causing severe impact on people’s lives.

Meanwhile, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will launch a major security operation on Wednesday in Honiara and its surrounding communities to coincide with the visit of the US Secretary of State John Kerry this week.

A statement from the Police media unit today says Police will be deploying up to 500 officers which includes police officers from Guadalcanal, Honiara City and Rove Police Headquarters.

The statement adds, RAMSI’s Participating Police Force will also have their Operational Response Group on standby to support the operation.

It says traffic will also be disrupted during the operation, but traffic police will be out on the roads to minimize traffic congestion.

Police are issued with strict directives – not anticipating any disturbances but preparations are in place to ensure the visit is carried out safely and without disruption.