Solomons vote over PM withdrawn

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An opposition lawmaker in the Solomon Islands has withdrawn a parliamentary motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Sponsor Edward Huniehu said he dropped the motion because the government was challenging it in the courts.

The vote, the second Mr Sogavare would have faced, was triggered by the controversial appointment of Julian Moti as attorney general.

Mr Moti is wanted in Australia to face child sex charges.

Mr Huniehu said he would wait for the courts to decide whether his motion was legal.

"I have no intention to create animosity, acrimony and confusion by moving this motion now," he said. "I have decided that this motion will be deferred."

A decision from the court is expected within eight days.

Attorney-General Julian Moti has denied any wrongdoing

Mr Sogavare, for his part, said that he feared nothing.

"We welcome any moves to unseat my democratically elected government, he said.

Mr Sogavare's appointment of Mr Moti has drawn domestic criticism and strained ties with the Australian government, which wants his extradition.

Security had been increased in the capital, Honiara, ahead of the motion.

Last year, a vote for a new government triggered rioting that left parts of Honiara in ruins and forced many Chinese residents to flee.