Solomons lifts curfew, troops patrol capital

HONIARA, Apr 27 (Reuters) The Solomon Islands head of state lifted a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital Honiara today but foreign troops and police remained on the streets to prevent fresh riots sparked by the election of a premier.

Protests last week against the election of Snyder Rini as prime minister spiralled into two days of looting, targeting the tiny Chinese business population in Honiara, before the arrival of Australian and New Zealand troops to restore peace.

Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena lifted the curfew in the capital after meeting Commissioner of Police Shane Castles, a government statement said today.

Castles said the lifting of the curfew would allow businesses to return to normal but added police and troop would still patrol the streets.

Rini resigned yesterday, saying he no longer had the support of parliament. A new prime minister will be elected in a secret parliamentary ballot on May 4.

Rini said he hoped his decision to step down would bring peace to the impoverished South Pacific nation of 992 islands spread out over 1.35 million sq km.

His resignation was greeted with street celebrations.

More than 100 people were arrested following the unrest, including two politicians.

The Solomons was on the brink of collapse in 2003 due to ethnic fighting, prompting Australia to lead a multinational peacekeeping force to the island nation to restore peace.

Last week's rioting in Honiara was fuelled by rumours that aid money from Taiwan was used to help elect Rini and that his government was heavily influenced by local Chinese businessmen.

REUTERS KD RN1119