"As leaders of our respective countries, we are faced with the same challenge of forging greater unity and cohesiveness in our diverse societies, and… - Laisenia Qarase

The forgiveness of Christ is complete, and without condition. It is not dependent on an apology, or tied to a punishment.

This age of globalisation is marked by the adoption of universal principles governing such matters as democracy, human rights, trade and development. Today, I reaffirm here that Fiji accepts these precepts. But we also say that countries like ours should not be held to unrealistic standards, we need time to evolve to adapt and to adhere. Do not judge us by what might be inappropriate at our stage of development.

We cannot bring our people together, and give all energies to development, when the agony of 2000 lives on and haunts us through prosecutions and sentences. Five years have gone by and … there is no end in sight. I believe it is time now for fresh thinking and action.