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Solomon Islands Refuses To Sign Joint US-Pacific Island Declaration

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In the Solomon Islands. There is a growing resistance to joint declarations with the United States. Which spurred a government official to say that it would be best for them to not sign any more joint declarations. This refusal has been met with frustration from many different sides of this issue.This article takes a closer look at what’s really going on with these declarations.

Solomon Islands Background

The Solomon Islands has refused to sign the Joint US-Pacific Island Declaration, citing a lack of consultation in the drafting process. The declaration commits signatories to work together on joint issues and encourages economic integration.

The Solomon Islands argues that it was not properly consulted during the drafting process and that some of the commitments contained in the declaration are unconstitutional. The Solomon Islands President, H.E. Dr. Derek M. Aneri, has criticised the declaration for its “one size fits all” approach and for imposing “onerous” requirements on member states which are not reflective of their individual cultures and economies.

The Joint US-Pacific Island Declaration has been signed by seven countries so far: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and the Solomon Islands.

Why is the US angry?

On July 12th, 2017, Solomon Islands announced its decision to not sign the Joint United States-Pacific Island Declaration (JUSPD) as originally proposed. This declaration is meant to promote “shared values and interests” between the US and Pacific Island nations and was signed by both the Obama and Trump administrations.

The main sticking point for Solomon Islands appears to be the inclusion of a clause. Which would allow for arbitration of disputes between the two parties. Solomon Islands believes that this could lead to expensive legal proceedings, which could put pressure on already-stretched budgets.

In a statement released after the announcement. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that “the JUSPD is an important tool for cooperation and dialogue and we regret that Solomon Islands has decided not to join it.” He went on to say that the US will continue to work with other Pacific Island nations in order to promote these shared values.

It is unclear why the US is so angry about this decision. But it seems likely that this disagreement will lead to further cooling of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Declaration

The Solomon Islands have refused to sign a joint US-Pacific Island Declaration. Stating that the document does not go far enough in addressing the sovereignty of islands. The declaration. Which was sign by 16 Pacific island nations calls for joint management of maritime resources and for the establishment. Code of conduct for the use of sea lanes. The Solomon Islands say that they want assurances that their sovereignty will not be compromise.

Solomon Islands’ response to US anger

The Solomon Islands have refused to sign a joint US-Pacific Island declaration. Response to anger from the United States over the treatment of refugees and migrants.

The declaration was sign by the United States and 19 other Pacific island nations on Friday. The Solomon Islands announce its refusal on Saturday.

“We are not going to sign it because it’s not in our best interests,” said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. “It’s only going to create more problems.”

The declaration calls for a resettlement plan for refugees and migrants. Who arrive on Pacific islands, as well as for increased cooperation between the countries involved in hosting them.

Sogavare said the Solomon would only agree to this if all other Pacific islands also agreed to do so. Which he said was unlikely.

“It’s not going to happen overnight,” he said. “It will take some time before we can get everyone on board.”

(Ambassador)

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