Solomon Islands: RAMSI forces mobilised against Solomons workers

We want to ensure our presence is felt throughout Honiara City, a spokesman from the Solomon Islands Police Media Unit told the Solomon Star on June 26. The spokesman described the operation as a precautionary measure to counter any possible disturbances caused by the telecommunications strike. The Star reported that RAMSI soldiers were also patrolling the streets while a military helicopter flew above. About 140 Australian soldiers and 450 mostly Australian RAMSI police are stationed in the Solomons.

That the latest mobilisation was triggered by an entirely peaceful industrial dispute reflects the true character of the RAMSI intervention force. Initially dispatched in July 2003, the Australian-led operation accompanied the takeover of much of the Solomons state apparatus, including the police, legal system, prison service, finance department, and other arms of the public service. While the Australian-led intervention into the allegedly failing state was justified on humanitarian grounds, the police-military response to the recent labour disputes again demonstrates the reality: RAMSIs central purpose is to advance the interests of Australian imperialism and to counter any acts by the local population that might threaten those interests.

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