BY DR LACHLAN STRAHN, AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO SOLOMON ISLANDS Australia and Solomon Islands enjoy a close bond – indeed, we are Pacific family. The Blue Pacific is our shared home, our common region. The Coral Sea links us forever and continental drift is in fact pushing us closer together. But our deep friendship is based on much more than shared geography. We are bound together by our common values as democratic countries committed to peace, a rich spiritual life and a shared determination to give every individual, man, woman, girl and boy, the opportunity to reach their full potential. Family stick together, through the good times and the tough times. Australia partnered with Solomon Islands during some of the country’s darkest moments, including through RAMSI to help restore stability and law and order. And Solomon Islands has been there for Australia, with people across the country reaching into their hearts to raise funds for the communities ravaged by devastating bushfir

BY GEORGINA KEKEA Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is being called on to step down in order to bring back peace into Honiara. Today along the streets of Honiara’s CBD, security personnel manning the shops are also reiterating the call of the protesters for the Prime Minister to step down. “We all want peace and right now we cannot have it as the government has not listened to the people at all. All they want is for the Prime Minister to step down or the government leaders to listen to their calls”. But in a nationwide address this evening, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he will not step down through this process. "I am elected as the Prime Minister of our beloved  country by 35 Members of Parliament who represent their people.   The call for me to step down is premised on the hunger for power  by certain politicians who do not have any respect for the  principles of democracy and due process. In 2006 a precedent was  set when the Prime Minister back then was asked to resign