PRIME MINISTER URGED TO CONVENE PARLIAMENT IMMEDIATELY

Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group, Dr Derek Sikua has urged the Prime Minister to convene parliament immediately in order to adopt the recommendations stipulated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report.

Dr Sikua made the call in a statement this week, saying while he acknowledged the Prime Minister’s response on unveiling the DCC Government’s ‘Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme’, Mr Sogavare should not reinvent the wheel in creating another programme.

Mr Sikua said creating another separate program will be a waste of time and resources since the TRC is at the government’s disposal.

He says the report explicitly outlined the appropriate recommendations to be taken and calling an immediate parliament meeting is appropriate, in order to adopt the recommendations stipulated in the report.

Dr Sikua said the recommendations referred to were based on facts and proper analysis.

Meanwhile, Dr Sikua adds primary in the report is the establishment of a body to perform the task of monitoring and facilitating necessary support for the implementation of the recommendations.

He said as recommended, an Act of Parliament has to be made, that will ensure a commission is established to address the overarching issues relating to the conflict.

Mr Sikua said it is clear that the programs pertaining to the TRC report shall be on one hand; the Priority Healing Programs for reparations, exhumations, rehabilitation and reconciliation areas.

On the other, the need to impose an Institutional Reform Preventative Program that will cover women, children, youth, land reform, justice system reform, health reform and others.

The Leader of Independent said the TRC report has established a suitable platform to address all issues of the ethnic tension, adding he is willing to offer his services to be part of the process towards a lasting peace for the country.