A scheduled trip to Australia for the Acting Attorney General Mrs. Nuatalia Tongarutu had been cancelled with no official explanation.
According to a press statement from the Australian High Commission Office in Honiara, they were informed on May 14th of the cancelled trip, a day before Mrs. Tongarutu's departure on May 15th.It was said Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare issued orders and directive requesting Mrs. Tongarutu to postpone her travel to Australia until he returns from his two-week state visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Arranged meeting with the Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, Mr. David Johnston scheduled for May 15th had to be cancelled following the postponement of the trip.
The Australian High Commission said an earlier arrangement for a meeting for May 7th by Mrs. Tongarutu and Mr. Johnston was also cancelled when the Acting Attorney General postponed the trip giving logistical problem as reason for the cancellation.