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The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), also known as Operation Helpem Fren, was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor-General of the Solomon Islands. "Helpem Fren" is Pijin English for "helping friend". A sizable international security contingent of 2,200 police and troops, led by Australia included the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF -Operation Anode) and New Zealand, and with representatives from about 20 other Pacific nations began arriving from the 24 July 2003. Nick Warner assumed the role of Special Coordinator as leader of RAMSI, working with the Solomon Islands Government. Major contributing nations to RAMSI include Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. In 2004, James Batley took over as Special Coordinator, followed by Tim George in late 2006. Military personnel provide security, material and logistical assistance to police forces assisting the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of law and order. From November 2003, the military component was reduced, as stability gradually returned to the country, and a sizeable civilian contingent, comprising of economists, development assistance specialists and budget advisors commenced the reconstruction of the government, economy and finances of the Solomon Islands. The Participating Police Force (PPF) consisits of police from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and all participating nations (see below). The AFP make up the majority of the numbers with a large number of those being brought in from state police from all over Australia. Security in the Solomon Islands is handled by AFP Protection (formerly Australian Protective Service - APS). The civilian contingent is now made up of around 130 personnel from many pacific countries, the most sizeable being Australia and New Zealand. Early successes included the stabilisation of government finances and normalisation of debt, as well as a number of economic reforms. Civilians in RAMSI are now focussing on capacity building of Solomon Islanders to take over the roles. Participating Nations
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