MEMBER of Parliament for Lau-Mbaelelea Constituency in Malaita Province has expressed ‘deep’ regret on behalf of his constituents for the problems they have caused the nation during the ethnic tension some twenty years ago.
MP Augustine Auga openly apologised on Monday in Parliament when contributing to the debate on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.
He said more than 5000 people were affected and 200 lives were lost during the crisis.
“For that, I want to say sorry, especially to the families and relatives of the 200 fellow Solomon Islanders who have lost their lives during the ethnic.
“If anyone from Lau-Mbaelelea caused any problem at that time, I on behalf of the constituency would like to say sorry.”
He said true reconciliation comes from the heart and it is only when this occurs that true peace will eventuate.
And to the 5000 people who have experienced human rights violation during the ethnic tension, MP Auga added:
“I would like to say sorry to those who were deeply affected by the ethnic tension.
“I’m very sorry indeed Solomon Islands.
“Please forgive my people if they did something wrong to you at that time.”
MP Augu said the tension caused so much hardship to people in the country and should never be repeated.
“Let us not allow another ethnic tension to happen.”
MP Auga who is also the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) said he himself was a victim of the ethnic tension having been chased out of Guadalcanal back to Malaita.
By MOFFAT MAMU
