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Dr Sikua tells Philip to continue where he left

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Dr Sikua
OUTGOING Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua urges the new government to continue with what his coalition left behind.

Dr Sikua issued a statement congratulating his successor, Danny Philip of South New Georgia Rendova Tetepare on his election victory.

Mr Philip polled 26 votes against his only rival Steve Abana with 23 votes. There was one spoilt vote.

Dr Sikua said: "The pressing issues that face our nation at this crucial time of our history is common knowledge to all of us."

"The events of the ethnic unrest and April 2006 reflects the deeper undercurrents that our new government must seek to find solutions to.

"I hope they will carry on the business of governing with a view to redirecting the course of this nation to the goals we have  set ourselves," he said.

Dr Sikua said the current Draft and Federal Constitution must be pursued vigorously and adopted in due course.

"Our government must introduce targeted and focused growth strategies for the rural economy; a reorientation of economic policies to empower resource owners to be meaningful long term participants in the economy," he said.

He said the new Government must plan to introduce a number of legislative measures in Parliament for example, an Anti Corruption Bill to minimise and eventually stamp out the root causes and adverse effects of corruption.

"During the past two weeks our nation and its leaders have come under sharp and intense scrutiny, both externally and transparency in government.

"I believe the reactionary approach has not and will not solve this problem," he said.

Dr Sikua said on international front, the government must pursue a foreign policy based on selective engagement and pragmatism in order to ensure the country gets maximum benefit from its diplomatic relations.

He said he hopes the new Government recognises the efforts of national leaders in trying to deal with the root causes of the 'ethnic tension.

"In this regard, the government must take into the ongoing peace negotiations between the Malaita and Guadalcanal Provincial Governments and other relevant issues pertaining to the national peace building process.

"The truth and nothing but the truth will lead to true reconciliation and the government must continue to support the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as an essential step to social cohesion, national healing and unity," he said.

Dr Sikua also asked the new Government to ensure that Parliament, Executive and the Judiciary translate all policies of government for effective and efficient delivery of services.

"It must take measures to address the fundamental issues of social and economic growth that recognises the aspirations of the indigenous people of Solomon Islands.

"This is for them to live in peace and enjoy the security afforded by the wealth and opportunities that are an integral part of the social fabric and heritage of this nation," he concluded.

By EDDIE OSIFELO