Solomons reassure Chen

The leader of the troubled Solomon Islands, which once threatened to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, assured President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday that relations between the two sides were solid and stable. Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza, who took office four months ago, made the comment during his first visit to Taiwan since he became leader of the South Pacific island chain, left virtually bankrupt by two years of civil war. Although Taiwan has been one of the nation's biggest donors, the archipelago's former foreign minister, Denny Philip, threatened to break off relations with Taiwan in 2000 and recognize China. Relations with Taiwan were never cut and Taiwan loaned NT$875 million to the Solomon Islands to help the country pay reparations to property owners forced from their land and homes by the fighting.