Solomon Islands government is offering private lawyer, Gabriel Suri, to be acting Attorney General.
Mr. Suri, who earlier told local media that he's ready to take the job provided the government met his conditions, will be acting Attorney General for the next six months.The private lawyer has been instrumental in defending the Opposition, now the government led by Dr. Derek Sikua, in the political impasse which led to the ousting of the Sogavare-led government.
Government's Chief of Staff, Matthew Wale, told SIBC that Mr. Suri's appointment should help restore the credibility to the Attorney General's office.
The government will soon advertise the position to find a substantive Attorney General.
Mr. Wale informed SIBC that the criteria to be used for appointing an Attorney General will be based on competence, seniority of the person, integrity or character of the person and whether the person commands the respect of the legal fraternity in the country.
In the meantime, the Solicitor General, Reginald Teutao, is advising the government and represents the government in court.
Mr. Suri's appointment puts to rest the controversial appointment of Julian Moti who was in the post for only six months before being deported back to Australia.
The former Attorney General now faces seven counts of child sex charges in the Australian courts.