Kenilorea describes statement by GNUT as misleading and regrettable
The Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are Are and Leader of the Independent Group, Peter Kenilorea Jr, has described the statement by GNUT on his participation – in his personal capacity – at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei, Taiwan, as misleading and regrettable.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) states that MP Kenilorea Jnr’s participation in the gathering violates the one China Principle recognized by Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and is an attempt to harm the Solomon Islands-People’s Republic of China (PRC) relations.
SIG reaffirms its respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It stated it totally refutes commitments made by the Member of Parliament for East Are ‘Are for Solomon Islands to be a member of the anti-China Alliance.
However, Kenilorea Junior said:
“I find it regrettable that the government would even release a statement that my participation at a Summit of like-minded MPs and Senators from some 24 countries, is seeking to harm Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China.”
MP Kenilorea stated that the government, in its own statement already acknowledged that he participated in his own capacity, and he also acknowledged that members of IPAC are all from democratic countries who share a common concern including those on the continuous rhetoric of possible Taiwan Strait conflict that would come at a huge cost, both financially and human, for Solomon Islands, the Asia Pacific region, and the world.
“Instead of harming Solomon Islands, the summit looked at ways that we as concerned MPs of the IPAC network can continue to spread the message in our respective Parliaments about perils any unilateral change to the Taiwan strait relations could bring,” he added.
He also stated that it is no secret that Solomon Islands United Party is looking to truly implement the ‘friends to all enemies to none’ foreign policy currently espoused by GNUT as well.
“We campaigned on inviting Taiwan back to re-engage with Solomon Islands, if they want to. If other countries, including pacific island countries, have Taiwan trade and cultural offices in their nations that run programmes that contribute towards supporting citizens of those countries, while recognizing PRC at the same time, why can’t we? Is GNUT now saying that all those countries in violation of the one China policy as well?”
The MP for East Are Are stated that, IPAC has held Summits in Italy, USA, and Czech Republic previously. It is a network of elected representatives who are invited to join IPAC in their own personal capacity. Indeed, IPAC heard during the summit that a number of these representatives were pressured by PRC Embassies in their respective countries not to attend the Summit as well.
“I heard that a number of my IPAC member colleagues were pressured by the PRC Embassies in their countries not to attend the summit. I heard from these same colleague’s face to face that such attempts to pressure and coerce them had resulted in strengthening their resolve to attend the summit.”
He added that, ‘in my case the PRC Embassy in Honiara did not do this, instead through this recently released inaccurate statement, it is my very own government who is making calls for those holding public office, which I read as a veiled reference that includes me to not visit or engage with Taiwan.
MP Kenilorea stated, ‘it is truly regrettable and very concerning to read these sentiments that are aimed to restrict freedom of movement, expression, and conscience of our nation’s citizens, let alone a Member of Parliament. Or are we no longer a free country?’
“Instead of attempting to unreasonably restricting our freedoms guaranteed to our citizens by our constitution, it is the duty of a democratic government like GNUT to ensure that these freedoms are enjoyed as much as possible.”
IPAC is an alliance made up of a collection of MPs, Senators, and representatives. The National Parliament of Solomon Islands is not affiliated in anyway with IPAC.
