The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Bartholomew Ulufa'alu,has submitted his resignation. He told the Governor-General it was in the interests of long-term peace.Prime Minister Ulufa'alu was not expected to resign until the Parliament meets tomorrow.
However, last night he submitted a letter of resignation to the Governor-General, Sir John Eni Lapli, with a proposal that he be made caretaker prime minister until the Parliament votes for a new leader of this deeply troubled nation.
An announcement of whether the Governor-General has accepted this course of action is expected today.
The Government caucus, which has endorsed Mr Ulafa'alu's resignation, is putting several demands to the Malaita Eagle Force, which now controls Honiara, to try to ensure that whatever decision Parliament does make tomorrow, is not made under duress.