Solomon Islands PM to quit in two days

HONIARA, JUNE 13. The embittered Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Mr. Bartholomew Ulufa'Alu, today said that he would resign in two days, a move he warned could cause more fighting and the breakup of the South Pacific nation. Mr. Ulufa'Alu told the Associated Press that he had no choice but to stand down on Thursday regardless of the outcome of a parliamentary vote of no confidence on his leadership set for that day.

The vote was the result of a deal with the rebels who threatened Mr. Ulufa'Alu at gunpoint yesterday and demanded that he resign.

A few days later, they released him and allowed him to stay in office until the parliament decided his future.

Mr. Ulufa'Alu said the planned vote was just an attempt to give the change of leadership the appearance of legitimacy. ``I don't want to be part of the new Government,'' he said.

``This (the vote) is an insult to my integrity, to my family and the people in my constituency.'' When asked if the tribals might take up arms the Prime Minister said, ``others can do it. Why not?''

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Section  : International
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