CANBERRA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- More Chinese nationals and other countries' citizens of Chinese origin were evacuated Sunday from the riot-torn Solomon Islands.

    Sources working with the Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea's capital of Port Moresby told Xinhua by phone that 159 Chinese nationals and other countries' citizens of Chinese origin arrived at Port Moresby Sunday afternoon on two chartered planes respectively.

    With the latest arrivals, the Chinese government evacuated 249 Chinese citizens and other countries' citizens of Chinese origin from the Solomon Islands in less than 24 hours.

    Evacuation will continue Monday, the sources said, adding arrangements for the evacuees to be flown to China have started.

    The Chinese were the main target and victims of the riots in the Solomon Islands' capital of Honiara triggered by political protests over the controversial election of new Prime Minister Snyder Rini. Chinatown was nearly leveled down following looting and arson.

    Many of the Chinese are homeless now after their property lost and business ruined in the two-day riots starting on April 18. Enditem