Solomon Islands asks navies not to send ships pending review

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Solomon Islands has asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled. The government made the request after a U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry and the British navy patrol boat HMS Spey canceled planned port calls last week due to bureaucratic delays. The United States and Britain are among countries concerned that a new bilateral security pact between the Solomon Islands and China could lead to a Chinese naval base being constructed less than 1,200 miles off Australia’s northeast coast. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said on Wednesday delays in visit approvals demonstrate the need for the government to review and refine its procedures. A U.S. military hospital ship is currently in Honiara.