In his address during the Premiers Conference, Malaita Premier, Richard Na'amo Irosaea, apologized to the nation for the actions of Malaitans involved in the events of year 2000.
Premier Irosaea said that the behavior of Malaitans, who participated in the armed insurrection of 2000, was obnoxious and, as the political head of the Malaita provincial government, he asks for the country's forgiveness."On behalf of my government and people of Malaita Province, I would like to sincerely apologize for the events of the year 2000 and their negative impacts on the country's struggling economy," he said.
The Premier said it was important that his Province normalize its relationship with other provinces and the national government, particularly after the events of the year 2000, so they could all work together harmoniously towards achieving economic success.
Premier Irosaea said that contrary to the resolution of the 2004 Malaita Leaders Summit, pursuing independence for Malaita Province, his present administration stood for a united Solomon Islands.
Mr Na'amo Irosaea said if Solomon Islands were to achieve economic prosperity, all the provinces ought to be united and support the national government in its development endeavors.
He said the Malaita Provincial government was pursuing a major reconciliation program to iron out all the ill feelings the nation had against Malaita over the actions of some of its citizens in the year 2000.