Talks seek end to Solomons bloodshed

Malaita Eagles staged an attempted coup in June

A new attempt to end two years of ethnic violence in the Solomon Islands is due to get under way on Friday, on board a New Zealand warship.

More than 150 delegates are due to attend the meeting on board the frigate, the Te Kaha, which is anchored off the capital, Honiara.

The talks, scheduled to last for three days, are expected to include issues of land rights, amnesties for militiamen and compensation.

The islands' ethnic tensions date back to colonial times, but developed into fighting in 1998 when the indigenous Isatabu community tried to evict the immigrant Malaita people, resentful over their economic dominance.

Since then, fighting between rival militias on the main island of Guadalcanal has left more than 60 people dead and forced thousands from their homes.

Leaders of the two militias - the Malaita Eagle Force and the Isatabu Freedom Fighters - are due to join the talks on board the ship.

The islands' new Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has already announced a $1.8m compensation package aimed at ending the violence.

He has also said he will consider an amnesty for the militias.

Kidnapping

In June the Malaita Eagles took their grievances onto the streets of Honiara, staging an attempted coup which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu.

The talks may be complicated by the kidnapping on Monday of the brother of the Deputy Prime Minister, Allan Kemakeza, by the Isatabu Freedom Movement.

Mr Kemakeza has appealed to the rebels to free his brother.