Embattled Solomons PM Rini resigns

HONIARA, Apr 26: Solomon Islands embattled Prime Minister Snyder Rini resigned today shortly before a scheduled vote of no confidence against him, saying he no longer had the support of parliament.

''I have no alternative but to tender my resignation as prime minister of the Solomon Islands,'' Rini told parliament in the capital Honiara, which was rocked by rioting and looting a week ago when Rini was elected.

News of Rini's resignation was greeted with celebrations on the streets of the capital Honiara with people cheering and driving cars down the main street honking horns.

Political protests last week against Rini spiralled into widespread looting, targeting the tiny Chinese business population in the capital, Honiara, before the arrival of Australian and New Zealand troops to restore peace.

Reuters