Page 445 - Melanesia

2003 July - Australian-led peacekeeping force de-
ploys, aiming to restore order and disarm militant
groups.

2003 October-November - Australia, New Zealand
decide to scale back their military contributions, cit-
ing progress in restoring order. Peacekeepers declare
the Weather Coast - an area badly hit by lawlessness
- safe.
.
2007 April - A tsunami hits the north-west Solomon
Islands after a strong sea quake. The UN puts the
death toll at 34. Thousands are left homeless.

2013 July - The Regional Assistance Mission to the
Solomon Islands (RAMSI) marks the 10th anniver-
sary since its deployment on the island. It also ends
its military phase.