Local lawyer, Gabriel Suri, has been appointed Solomon Islands Acting Attorney General.

Mr. Suri took his oath before the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena, at Government House yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister, Fred Fono, welcomed the appointment saying the it is very crucial for the present government "especially in seeking legal advice and opinion on important government businesses".

Hon. Fono added that it is necessary for the Attorney General's post to be replaced, following the deportation of the former Attorney General, Julian Moti, to Australia end of last year.

He said that the government has trust upon Mr. Suri to redirect the office following the "abnormalities and controversies experienced during the time of Mr. Moti".

The appointment given to Mr. Suri was a Cabinet decision officially made this month and is valid for six months during which the government will advertise the post.