Justice sought: Mr Howard says it is wrong of Mr Moti to hide. [File photo]
Last Update: Wednesday, October 4, 2006. 12:46pm (AEST)

Moti must be brought to justice: PM

Prime Minister John Howard says Australia will take diplomatic steps to ensure fugitive Solomon Islands Attorney-General, Julian Moti, is extradited to Australia.

Mr Howard says it is wrong that Mr Moti can hide in the Solomons High Commission in Port Moresby to avoid extradition to Australia to face child sex charges.

"He should be brought to justice. He shouldn't be harboured in a high commission in another country," he said.

"That is quite inappropriate and we'll continue to argue so."

Mr Moti was appointed as the Solomon Islands Attorney-General two weeks ago amid widespread criticism.

It has been reported the Solomons Judicial and Legal Service Commission has decided to revoke Mr Moti's appointment, but the commission's secretary has told the ABC the reports are speculative.

Mr Howard says the Solomon Islands seems confused about the status of Mr Moti.

"Whether he's going to remain as the Attorney-General in the Government of the Solomon Islands is a matter for the Government of the Solomon Islands," he said.

The Solomons High Commissioner to PNG has cut short a trip to Fiji and will return to Port Moresby this afternoon.