Solomons force near rebel base

By Phil Mercer BBC correspondent in Sydney

Villagers hope that the islands' wild days are at an end

Australian-led peacekeepers in the Solomon Islands are to establish a base on the remote Weathercoast, one of the country's most troubled regions.

It is the multinational force's first major deployment outside the capital, Honiara.

Hundreds of troops and police officers arrived in the Solomons at the end of last month to restore order after years of ethnic unrest.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has again warned that the rescue mission could face dangerous and difficult days ahead.

Seeking sanctuary

The Weathercoast, an isolated corner of the main island of Guadalcanal, is one of the most lawless regions in a country where the rule of law has collapsed.

Dozens of people have been murdered in clashes between rival militias in recent months.

Caught in the middle were countless villagers.

Some endured rape and torture, others saw their homes burnt to the ground, while hundreds fled to seek sanctuary in makeshift camps in Honiara.

But there are signs the wild days of the past could be coming to an end.

Bitter ethnic war

A police post will be set up in the region and its offices supported by a large military contingent.

The co-ordinator of the intervention force, Nick Warner, said locals would not have seen security on such a scale.

Leaders of the Isatabu Freedom Movement on the Weathercoast have agreed to surrender their weapons.

This powerful militia group, made up of indigenous residents of Guadalcanal, fought a bitter ethnic war with fighters from the neighbouring province of Malaita.

In recent times the enemy has been a former ally, Harold Keke.

Note of caution

He refused to recognise a peace agreement signed three years ago after falling out with those in charge of the Isatabu Freedom Movement.

Harold Keke, who is holding a number of hostages, has agreed to enter into talks with peacekeepers.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has sounded a note of caution as efforts continue to disarm the various militant gangs.

He said it was hard to believe they would hand in all their weapons.

And Mr Downer warned there would be challenges ahead for the international force, as it begins its deployment beyond Honiara and into the provinces.