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Issue No: 307; 20 December 2000The regime's Minister for Fijian Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has condemned people who claim that reconciliation must come before justice. Today's Daily Post reports that Nailatikau stated that people who are crying out for reconciliation and forgiveness are the ones who performed "dirty deeds" since May 19 and brought about havoc in the country. He stated: "Unadulterated greed and the unbelievable arrogance as was shamelessly displayed by chiefs and people alike on May 19 will not bring about paramountcy [of ethnic Fijians] in this day and age". Only recently regime's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase had
given a speech to the Tourism Forum where he called extensively for
reconciliation. Many believe that Nailatikau, who is a Baun high chief and son
in law of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and whose wife, Adi Koila, was held a hostage
by the terrorists, was referring to the interim regime prime minister when he
made the damning statements. Qarase had stated at the Tourism Forum: "I am
concerned at the response of those who have turned their faces against taking
the first steps to our national deliverance. They either reject reconciliation
outright, or argue that it is all too soon. Justice, they say, must be done
before peacemaking begins. Well, with respect, I say that reconciliation is
indispensable to the healing of Fiji. Without it we are lost. There can be no
justification for delaying the process of forgiveness and seeking to establish
better understanding and trust. And let us not forget that reconciliation and
justice - in all its forms - are not mutually exclusive. They go together." The Nailatikau statement is a string of recent expressions of discontent of the Qarase cabinet members at the conduct of some in the Qarase cabinet. |
People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |