Sogavare Announces Nation-Wide Reconciliation In July 2008

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced a planned nation-wide reconciliation ceremony on 7th July 2008 with the intention to wrap up the country’s national peace process after five years of civil unrest.

Mr Sogavare made the announcement in his national independence address on Friday during the 29th Independence Anniversary celebration at Aligegeo Stadium, Malaita Province.

He said the national government is fully committed to address the peace process by further committing extra funds to address the root causes of the civil unrest that almost forced the country to its knees.

The Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation has been financially boosted in this year’s national budget to carry out the task of reconciliation among warring ethnic groups and innocent civilians affected by the civil unrest which started in 1998.

Among other major outstanding issues are the bona fide demands of Guadalcanal province and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

“I would like to assure the nation that the government is fully committed to address our peace process.

“It is the government’s intention to wrap up the peace process on the 7th of July 2008 to be marked by a national reconciliation ceremony involving all the Provinces,” Mr Sogavare said.

He assured the nation that the Grand Coalition for Change Government will not changed its commitment to people across the nation.

“I want to assure all our people throughout the country that your government is in the hands of a group of leaders who are committed to serve the people of this country and nothing will move us from that commitment,” he said.

ENDS