Chairperson, 

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of the Pacific Island Forum.

Chairperson,

The very meaning of the term “Pacific Oceans” defines us as a peaceful region. We do not often feature in the work of the Security-Council or the Peacebuilding Commission. When the Solomon Islands experienced civil unrest, the Pacific united to help one of ours and we established the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Pacific Islands Forum countries provided the military and police forces to staff the Mission.

After law and order was established again, the Mission turned to help stabilize government finances and build capacity required for effective public financial management and economic policy making. In all the work of RAMSI, the United Nations have been an indispensible partner and have supported our work.

RAMSI has achieved its goals and it will come to an end at the end of the month. However, more work will be required by the people and government of the Solomon Islands. Some challenges remain, some are even systematic. The resource base of the Solomon Islands will always be small and the distance between the islands spread over the Ocean does not shrink.

The Solomon Islands are doing their part and are working to secure peace for the long term. Over eighteen months, the peacebuilding program, with support from the United Nations, has spearheaded the post-conflict peacebuilding in the Solomon Islands. We would request that the support afforded by the United Nations continue.

I thank you, Chairperson.