BASELESS ALLEGATIONS ABOUT PM SEEKING SUPPORT FROM PRC
The media’s claim that the Prime Minister, the Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, sought assistance from the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) during a dinner last week is a totally false and is a baseless allegation.
Prime Minister Manele was invited by the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), His Excellency Cai Weiming, to a dinner at the latter’s residence well before the Motion of No Confidence was announced.
To allege, that a normal dinner event, that was initiated by H.E. Cai Weiming at his own accord is to disrespect the members of the diplomatic corps who can invite the Prime Minister for dinner or events in their residences. This is clearly an attempt to stir the public in light of the upcoming Motion of No Confidence.
The Prime Minister is a seasoned diplomat. He is well-versed in the Vienna Convention. Clause 41(1), of the Convention explicitly states that foreign diplomats are not allowed to interfere in the affairs of their host countries.
Solomon Islands ratified the Vienna Convention, and as a party to the convention, it has always adhered to the principles of this internationally recognized law.
It is important for the country to know, that it is the Prime Minister’s duty to ensure that no country interferes in Solomon Islands’ domestic affairs.
The dinner was initiated by Ambassador HE Cai Weiming. Having dinner with representatives of our development partners is normal. This is where leaders can discuss development issues affecting our country.
The media responsible for this disinformation owes an apology to both the Prime Minister and the PRC Ambassador for this baseless and unfounded allegation.
We urge the media to check the facts before publishing their stories. The Press Secretariat Office, which is responsible for the Prime Minister’s public relations and media engagements, is always ready to provide information in response to any questions or queries.
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