Solomons FM denies alleged 'drunk and disorderly' delagation to NY

13/10/2008 17:17:27

The Solomon Islands foreign minister, William Haomae, says there is no truth to media reports that Prime Minister Derek Sikua and members of his delegation had been drunk and disorderly at the recent UN General Assembly.

Solomon Islands newspaper, the Island Sun, made the allegations in an article last week, saying the prime minister and his delegation snubbed the Australian prime minister, Kevin Rudd's, speech to the UN General Assembly because they had too much to drink.

Secretary to the Prime Minister, Jerry Manele, who was with Dr Sikua's delegation in New York has indicated he's suing the newspaper for defamation in regards to the misbehaviour allegation.

Foreign Minister, William Haomae, says there is no basis to the report.

"That is absolutely rubbish," he said.

"We were at the meeting at the Fiji mission in New York, discussing the Fiji issue when the prime minister of Australia was delivering the Australian statement, however no one was drinking at that time."

The chief of Staff of Honiara's Island Sun newspaper, Richard Toke, says the newspaper stands by its story.

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