The Pacific Islands News Association 2007 Conference will go ahead as planned in Honiara next month despite the earthquake and tsunami.

The Pacific Islands News Association 2007 Conference will go ahead as planned in Honiara next month despite the earthquake and tsunami.

President of Media association of Solomon Islands John Lamani says members of the Media Association very much appreciate the messages of support and sympathy for the victims of the disaster on 2 April received from media colleagues and friends around the world.

He thanked everyone who had contacted MASI and said MASI is deeply touched by this support for all those who have been affected.

He said the earthquake and tsunami mainly hit in the country's Western and Choiseul Provinces and did not affect the national capital, Honiara where the Conference will take place.

But Mr Lamani said in recognition of the huge impact of the earthquake and tsunami and the role of the media, MASI is looking at a special addition to the programme on the disaster.

He said he has already been contacted by one international organisation offering help with this session, especially on the role of the media in disaster management.

Mr Lamani says there are very real lessons which everyone in the region can learn from this tragedy.