The Prime Minister John Howard says Australia is willing to send more security forces to Solomon Islands, if they are needed to help quell an outbreak of political violence.
Several Australian Federal police serving as peacekeepers were injured today when they helped local police prevent a mob of hundreds of people from storming the parliament building in the capital, Honiara.
Tear gas had to be used to disperse the mob, which also set fire to police vehicles when the unrest broke out just hours after the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Snyder Rini.
Mr Howard says the Australian High Commission in Honiara has advised him the situation remains quite unsettled, and Australia is ready to send reinforcements if necessary.
"Australia has made a very strong, long-term commitment to the future of the Solomon Islands. At this stage, there does not appear to be any need for any further forces, although if there is, they will be sent".