A reconciliation ceremony will be held in Solomon Islands on Friday for former militants, chiefs and national leaders from Guadalcanal and Malaita whose people were involved in the ethnic conflict.
The opening address will be given by the minister of national unity, reconciliation and peace, Nathaniel Waena.
George Atkin reports.
"The ceremony is organised by the ministry of National Unity Reconciliation and Peace whose minister Nathaniel Waena will give the opening address. Officials will include the prime minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, police commissioner Morton Sireheti, Economic and Structural Adjustment Minister, Daniel Fa'afuna, Agricultural minister Steven Paeni and the Chairman of the Peace Monitoring Council, Paul Tovua. The Unity Ministry says former Malaita Eagle Force leader Jimmy Rasta and former Isatambu Freedom Movement leader Andrew Te'e will take part in the ceremony. The two minister represent areas whose people are being reconciled. The ministry says traditional leaders from north Malaita and north east Guadalcanal will exchange gifts at the ceremony which will take place at the Rove Police headquarters in Honiara."
