Post retained ... the Solomon Islands PM says Julian Moti is still Attorney-General.
Last Update: Wednesday, October 4, 2006. 6:44pm (AEST)

Solomons setting 'dangerous precedent' over Moti

Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison says the Solomon Islands Government is setting a dangerous precedent if it is harbouring a man wanted in Australia for child sex offences.

The Federal Government is trying to extradite newly-appointed Solomon Islands Attorney-General Julian Moti to face alleged child sex offences dating back to 1997 in Vanuatu.

The 41-year-old Australian citizen was arrested last Friday by Papua New Guinea police but skipped bail.

Mr Moti is being assisted by the Solomon Islands High Commission in Port Moresby as he avoids extradition to Australia.

Earlier the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Mr Moti will remain in his position as Attorney-General.

Senator Ellison says that should not affect Australia's attempts to extradite him.

"I think that any political interference from anyone is inappropriate," he said.

"In this case if the Solomon Islands Government is offering him sanctuary and refuses to cooperate, then certainly their actions are entirely inappropriate and very serious indeed."

But Mr Sogavare says he will not be forced by Australia into revoking the appointment of Mr Moti.

He also dismissed reports Mr Moti was dumped from the position.

Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty says he hopes Mr Moti will give himself up to PNG police and says it would be difficult for him to travel around the region.

"If he is smuggled into the Solomon Islands, he is a person who is wanted on warrant in the Solomon Islands and we would expect the Royal Solomon Islands Police to act in the same way that the Papua New Guinea police have acted," he said.

"There's no escaping the fact that there is a warrant for the arrest of Mr Moti."