A week of peace and reconciliation ceremonies has opened in the Solomon Island capital Honiara, aimed at addressing issues arising from five years of ethnic tensions in the country that started in 1998.
The first event was a parade down to the police grounds.
Our correspondent in Honiara said there has been controversy surrounding the events which do not include the two biggest provinces Malaita and Guadalcanal.
The bill for the week of activities is put at US$4.3 million.