The Solomon Island Prime Minister's office says Dr Sikua received the advise in a form of a letter from the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr. Peter Hooton.

Mr Hooton was given the advise following a report in the local newspaper, Island Sun that had suggested that Dr Sikua caused a diplomatic embarrassment when he failed to turn up for Mr Rudd's UN General Assembly address.

In the letter Mr Hooton says that no offence was caused nor damage done to a very close and cooperative bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr. Hooton says that the Australian delegation was notified of Dr Sikua's absence.

Following the advise, Dr Sikua says, the call by the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare for a formal apology to Canberra is now null and void.


SIBC