Pacific

Archbishop Desmond Tutu addresses Solomon Islanders

10:20 am on 29 April 2009

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will give an address to the people of Solomon Islands before launching the Truth and Reconciliation Commission this morning.

The South African Archbishop arrived in Solomon Islands on Monday and will also attend a public rally, meetings and workshops before leaving the country on Friday.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Joy Kere says there will be a simple one-hour ceremony in Honiara to launch the commission.

She says it will culminate in a series of speeches by the Minister Sam Iduri, the Governor General and others.

"And also an address by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Derek Sikua, who will also introduce the Archbishop and then Archbishop will then make an address to the nation and then he will now declare the commission officially launched."

Joy Kere says thousands of people are expected to attend events being held in Honiara for the launch.