Fiji, Aug. 5 -- Pacific fisheries expert and Solomon Islands University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau says the public debate over Ship Rider Agreements is confusing international law with geopolitics, arguing that the legal question of such agreements is largely settled while the real issue is whether they serve Solomon Islands' national interests.

Dr Aqorau said the recent discussion had highlighted the importance Solomon Islanders place on sovereignty, their oceans and the country's role in an increasingly complex international environment.

"The first issue is a question of international law: Are Ship Rider Agreements lawful, and are they consistent with the sovereignty of Solomon Islands?

"The second is a question of ge...