HONIARA City Council Mayor Wilson Mamae has cautioned Western province following its decision to support China.
In a statement yesterday Cr. Mamae said; “the choice of switching diplomatic relations from the Republic of China to the People’s Republic of China is a matter of concern for the central government and not provincial governments, not even the Honiara City Council.”
The city mayor made this statement knowing fully well that Honiara city is home of all Solomon Islanders and in respect of the cultural diversity of the city he would not allow the discussion of switching ties in an inappropriate by provincial governments.
He said he is fearful of the likely repercussions uncontrolled discussions may have to the harmony and peaceful coexistence of city residents.
The mayor was responding to report that Western provincial government was backing moves for Solomon Islands to establish diplomatic ties with Mainland China.
He further cautioned that just like national security, foreign relations is not a devolved function.
“Thus, backing for recognition of China is not the responsibility of provincial governments,” he warned.
The city mayor said that the “Honiara City Council will always respect the decisions of the Cabinet of Solomon Islands on the matter of diplomatic relations with foreign countries.”
The bottom-line he said is benefits of development assistance to the country and people of Solomon Islands.
And the government of Solomon Islands knows this better than our provincial governments and the city council.
