CANBERRA, July 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The security situation improved in the Solomon Island one year after a regional intervention forcewas stationed in the South Pacific island country, Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill said on Saturday.

    Hill is in Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, to attend celebrations marking the first anniversary of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

    The Australia-led intervention force was formed in July last year to help "restore law and order" in the Solomons, whose nearly1,000 islands are inhabited by 465,000 people in 120 tribal groups.

    The country had been plagued by tribal conflicts and lawlessness for three years before the RAMSI was deployed.

    "I'm pleased that the security situation has advanced to the stage where the RAMSI anniversary can be celebrated freely in communities throughout the Solomon Islands," he said.

    "In less than 12 months almost 3,000 arrests have been made including many key militants and more than 3,700 guns have been collected and destroyed. The mission is continuing to work with the Solomon Islands government on long-term reforms to help re-build government institutions and the economy," he said.

    Hill said the Australian-led military component will remain to support RAMSI and the participating police force for as long as isnecessary. Enditem