Coalition of the Willing? Not us, say Solomon islanders
By Alan Perrott
Sorry, President Bush, but if you are counting on the
Solomon Islands National Reconnaissance and
Surveillance Force to watch your back in Iraq, you're out of
luck.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza
yesterday said "thanks but no thanks" after hearing his
nation had been shanghaied into the US-led Coalition of
the Willing.
"The Government is completely unaware of such
statements being made, therefore wishes to disassociate
itself from the report," said Sir Allan.
The Solomon Islands has no military capability, but
according to the CIA World Factbook they do boast the
above mentioned reconnaissance and surveillance unit
and a Royal Police Force.
Not so shy is Palau. The nation's leadership has offered its
ports and airfields to any units taking part in the Iraq
offensive.
Perhaps it is really the thought that counts here as the
coalition boasts several countries that can offer little more
than best wishes. Iceland, Micronesia and the Marshall
Islands are all there among the 19 countries offering only
political and/or moral support.
Of course, there is always the hope such support will
produce a few benefits later.
Alongside Iceland are nations such as the Baltic states
(who appear to be hoping their support will be rewarded in
financially and militarily). Neighbouring African states
Ethiopia and Eritrea reportedly raced each other to the
dotted line in anticipation of getting a helping hand in their
border dispute.
The Coalition of the Willing also claims the backing of more
than a dozen silent partners - countries which are providing
assistance but do not wish to broadcast the fact widely for
fear of domestic reaction.
Although they have not been named, commentators have
suggested they include Israel, the Arab states hosting US
forces such as Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain, and
anti-war Germany which has allowed access to its land
bases.
The willing
United States, Britain, Spain, Australia, Kuwait, Poland,
Albania, Romania, Czech Republic, Portugal, Japan, South
Korea, Denmark, Netherlands, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Macedonia, Azerbaijan,
Afghanistan, Georgia, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Colombia,
El Salvador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica,
Honduras, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Iceland,
Singapore, Mongolia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau,
Panama.
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