No grounds for bribes claim, Solomons admits
![The false accusation was that Solomon Islands politicians were being urged to join the opposition. [Reuters]](http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201007/r604349_3952683.jpg "The false accusation was that Solomon Islands politicians were being urged to join the opposition. [Reuters]")
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The false accusation was that Solomon Islands politicians were being urged to join the opposition. [Reuters]
Stephanie March
Last Updated:
The Solomon Islands Government has admitted an "intelligence report" accusing Australia of trying to bribe members of parliament to cross the floor is unsubstantiated.
In a joint statement, the Solomon Islands Government and the Australian High Commission have agreed the document leaked to the media last week has no factual basis.
The report had accused Australia of offering MPs $US24,000 to join the opposition.
It also accused the Solomon Islands judiciary of conspiring with Australian officials to fast-track prosecutions against members of the government.
The president of the Bar Association, Rodney Kingmele, told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat the accusation has damaged the reputation of Solomon Islands judges.
"An apology wouldn't go astray either, I would think," he said.
"I'd welcome such a move by the government."
The report has angered the opposition and there are reports its deputy leader is planning to file a defamation suit against the government.
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