Solomon Islands Attorney-General Julian Moti [File photo].
Last Update: Tuesday, October 3, 2006. 3:31pm (AEST)

Govt urges the Solomons to hand over Moti

The Federal Government says the Solomon Islands Attorney-General Julian Moti should be handed over to Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities.

The Solomon Islands Government has confirmed it is sheltering Mr Moti in its High Commission in Port Moresby.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says Mr Moti should be extradited to Australia to face allegations of child sex offences.

Mr Downer says it is inappropriate Mr Moti be held in the High Commission.

"I don't think the Solomon Islands Government should at any time or in any circumstances act to protect somebody who is facing serious allegations in relation to child sex offences."

Mr Downer has rejected assertions from the PNG Government that the incorrect procedure has been followed.

He wants both countries to surrender Mr Moti.

"I would expect the Solomon Islands Government to hand him over to the Papua New Guinean authorities, I think that would be the right thing to do," he said.

Federal Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, supports the extradition.

"We've always got to be careful about appearing overbearing but it's always important that you do the right thing," he said.

The Solomons Foreign Minister says the High Commission in Port Moresby is obliged to protect Mr Moti because he is a government official.