The Government has again called for support towards the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC.
Officially opening the third TRC awareness workshop yesterday morning in Gizo, Western Province, Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Sam Iduri appealed to the media to cover TRC activities with the level of sensitivity required in dealing with such a sensitive and emotional issue.The Minister appeals to the media to try and understand the challenges the government, TRC and the people of Solomon Islands face in trying to address a very difficult past.
Mr Iduri says while the media has the right to report as they wish, he expresses government's hope that they do so responsibly, and help take Solomon Islands in a new direction for a new future.
Mr Iduri also appeals for support from the people of Western and Choiseul Provinces as their three-day workshop got underway in Gizo today.
The workshop brings together stakeholder representatives from throughout Western and Choiseul Provinces.
The main aim and objective of TRC is to give an opportunity to people, particularly victims and perpetrators, to tell their stories about the effects of the recent ethnic conflict in Solomon Islands.
More than 100 participants representing stakeholders in the Western and Choiseul provinces are attending the official opening before the conference proper.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of TRC, David Tuhanuku, says the workshop will enable participants to appreciate the real work of TRC. He says this will enable participants "to convey the right information about the work of the TRC when they return to their people."
Meanwhile, the Western Province premier, George Lilo says his province fully supports the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Process.