US Rejects Sovereignty Fears  Over Solomons Shiprider Deal

The United States has insisted its newly signed Shiprider Agreement with Solomon Islands is designed to strengthen, not undermine, the country’s sovereignty.

And it says the arrangement leaves all law enforcement powers firmly in the hands of Solomon Islands authorities.

Speaking after the agreement was signed in Honiara on Tuesday, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires P. Daniel O’Hara said the landmark accord was built on mutual benefit and respect for Solomon Islands’ sovereignty.

“This agreement is about mutual benefit,” O’Hara said.

“It allows Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on U.S. Coast Guard vessels, including cutters like the Harriet Lane,” he added.

“Your officers will enforce your own laws in your own waters.

“You decide which vessels to investigate.

“You determine the violations.

“You set the penalties.

“This is Solomon Islands sovereignty, backed by American capability.”

O’hara said the partnership would strengthen both countries’ ability to combat illegal fishing, transnational crime and narcotics trafficking, describing them as threats to Solomon Islands’ economic security and the integrity of its Exclusive Economic Zone.

“Together, we are far better positioned to counter illegal fishing, transnational crime and narcotics trafficking.

“These threats endanger your economic security and the integrity of your Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.

The agreement establishes a legal framework allowing authorised Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated U.S. Coast Guard vessels to conduct joint maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations within Solomon Islands’ maritime jurisdiction.

The visit by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane forms part of Operation Blue Pacific, a multi-mission deployment aimed at promoting maritime security, regional stability and cooperation across the Pacific.

The Shiprider Agreement was signed amid criticisms from Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare, who argued the arrangement could compromise the country’s sovereignty.

Sogavare previously signed a highly controversial secretive security agreement with China that has alarmed the Western world.

The United States has rejected Sogavare’s concerns, maintaining that the agreement reinforces Solomon Islands’ authority by providing additional operational capability while leaving all law enforcement powers under Solomon Islands’ control.