Solomon Islands leader says he skipped Biden summit to avoid 'lecture'

HONIARA, Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed that he opted out of a Pacific Islands leaders' summit at the White House this week to evade what he perceived as a "lecture" and due to pressing issues in his home country.

Sogavare, who has nurtured close relations with China, spoke at the United Nations during his U.S. visit but did not join fellow Pacific Island Forum leaders in Washington