CANBERRA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The Solomon Islands government has rejected Australia's criticism over the swearing-in of Julian Moti, an Australian lawyer wanted by Australia for child sex charges, as the Pacific country's attorney-general, according to local media Wednesday.

    Moti was sworn-in as attorney-general at Government House in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara on Tuesday.

    Australian Prime Minister John Howard has described the move as "provocative" and "insensitive."

    Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer also condemned the appointment of Moti, saying it reflects poorly on the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

    Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio on Wednesday reported that a statement from Sogavare's office said Downer continues to use poorly chosen rhetoric and his comments will be taken with a grain of salt.

    Moti was appointed as the Solomon Islands attorney-general by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on September 21 last year

    Moti was arrested in Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the end of September at the request of the Australian government, before he jumped bail and was flown to the Solomon Islands on a PNG military plane in October.

    He was banned from the position of attorney-general soon after he arrived in the Solomon Islands.