Speaking to the media yesterday Mr. Marshall said that he has made the assurance to representatives of the National Council of Women and religious groups who have expressed concerns about the on going discussion of the rearmament of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

"We are not interested in progressing with any firearms aspect at all, the time may come but it is a matter for the government to decide," adds Mr. Marshall.

He emphasized that it is the government's decision and he hoped that such a decision "would be made through a national survey...before undertaking such a sensitive issue."

Mr. Marshall however added that in the future there might be the need for armed officers at the international airport. "This is mainly for dignitaries entering Solomon Islands, as it is done by the RAMSI," he said.