IT is truly unfortunate to hear and read of the expressed sentiments by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare describing the relations between Solomon Islands and Taiwan as ‘useless’.
That’s according to the Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) Chairman and Member of Parliament for East Are’are Peter Kenilorea Jnr.
“It is an unfortunate choice of words to describe a partner that many in Solomon Islands have viewed as a ‘true friend’ for over the last 36 years,” he told this paper via email yesterday.
Kenilorea stressed that for a leader of our nation to use such words and describe a friend is un-statesman like.
He added that all our development partners – our friends – have been working together with Solomon Islands government and people to help move this nation forward and should thank them and their people for their continued support.
“But we should also be mindful that the development of this nation rests in our own hands – not our development partners.
“The destiny of this nation in our march towards the future we want for us and future generations rests squarely on our collective shoulders,” Mr Kenilorea said.
This paper understands that the statement made by Sogavare was published by an Australian media the little Red Podcast.
This paper contacted the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary for an exclusive interview with Sogavare but was told they will be making an official statement later.
The statement by Sogavare went viral in the social media causing confusion and debates as to why he make this sort of strong comments towards one of the country’s development partner.
This paper understands that Sogavare’s statement might have different meaning to what the public and some political critics might be thinking.
By ANDREW FANASIA
