POLICE Commissioner
Peter Marshall says he respects Tonga’s decision not to have the soldiers
involve in the Titinge incident interviewed here.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Mr Marshall said he respects the decision and the comments made by the Tongan Prime Minister.
The Tongan Prime Minister said there was no need for the soldiers to remain in Solomon Islands to answer questions about the shooting incident.
"Our boys were
acting under the rules of engagement and there is an agreement between teh
Solomon Islands and RAMSI and we just followed those," Radio New Zealand
reported the Tongan PM as saying.
Asked what his
reactions to the comments are given the fact that the RSIPF investigations have
all along been seeking to interview the two soldiers, Mr Marshall said it is a
matter between the two Prime Ministers concern.
"I respect the decision and the comments made by the Tongan Prime Minister, the matter between the Tongan government and Solomon Islands government are matters for the two Prime Ministers, but from a police point of view it is always better if we interview everyone who was there during the night.”
Asked how the refusal by the Tongan government to have the soldiers involved interviewed would affect police investigation, he said they have spoken to a good number of witnesses.
"We will prefer to interview them but we respect the decision. However, we will be in a very informed position in terms of findings and recommendations which will be submitted to the DPP.
"It is not uncommon for us not to have access to certain individuals because some people sometimes decide not to speak to police.
"But the RSIPF investigation is particularly thorough and there will be very firm recommendations and submission made."
About 20 members of the RSIP are investigating the incident assisted by members of the PPF.
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