Laisenia Qarase: Trending quotes (page 2)

“Christianity took Ratu Cakobau and the Fijians from the way of the club, to the way of peace. Our islands were transformed forever.”

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Address to the nation at the National Day of Prayer in Fiji combined church service http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_4615.shtml, Post Fiji Stadium, Suva, 15 May 2005

Peace , Way

“They (the indigenous Fijian people) believe they (their demands for political power) are just and reasonable, given our history, racial division, present-day majority of Fijians, their ownership of the land and their indigenous identity.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpts from a parliamentary speech, 3 June 2005

People , History

“Freedom carries obligations and responsibilities. This applies, in particular, to the news media. Our media have an obligation to exercise their responsibilities in a manner that reflects the social, cultural and religious values of our different communities. ([http://www.pacificmagazine.net Pacific Magazine]).”

Laisenia Qarase

Reaction to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, 7 February 2006

Exercises , Communication , Freedom

“We all share the same vision for our children. It is one of the things that binds us together. Let this Summit give extra strength and purpose to the great cause of education.”

Laisenia Qarase

Opening address to the Education Summit, Suva, 31 August 2005

Children , Education

“We will only overcome this (communal politics) when there is greater interracial trust, confidence and assimilation.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpts from an address to the Commonwealth Workshop in Nadi, 29 August 2005

Confidence , Communication

“Recently we heard that a prominent parliamentarian converted government assets to his personal use. Very soon, we will hear of some prominent politicians evading tax deliberately. Very soon we will hear of people abusing their travel entitlements. We extend zero-tolerance to these kind of people and some years ago, we know that the former Prime Minister converted government funds to improve his own personal standing by renovating and upgrading his personal house. The member for Labasa Open went on a fishing trip at government expense … This is fraud. I do not know want you want to call it, but it is fraud, using taxpayers' money for personal use.”

Laisenia Qarase

Parliamentary speech, 23 November 2005 (excerpts)

Money , People , Travel , Fraud

“We have to ensure that development is inclusive; that no particular group is disadvantaged or discriminated against.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpts from an address to the Commonwealth Workshop in Nadi, 29 August 2005

“We have to recognise our cultural differences, but accept that they enrich our society. We also have to accept that all communities and citizens have contributed to the nation. We must understand that our homeland can only reach its full promise if we all continue to contribute, with fair and equitable benefits for all. Finally, we must recognize that for the accomplishment of full nationhood and unity, we have to give greater emphasis to our common interests.”

Laisenia Qarase

Communication , Understanding

“In view of what has happened to other indigenous groups, the fear and insecurity of Fijians should be easy to understand.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpts from a parliamentary speech, 3 June 2005

Fear , Understanding

“While the Constitution guarantees press freedom, it must be used with sensitivity, respect and good judgement in a multi-cultural and multi-religious country such as ours, he said.”

Laisenia Qarase

Pacific Magazine http://www.pacificmagazine.net
Reaction to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, 7 February 2006

Freedom , Country

“I emphasise again that people who participated in the 2000 uprising with criminal intent, as established by the police, will continue to be subject to the full force of the law. The Bill is not intended to provide relief to those who used the coup for their own gain or other criminal intent.”

Laisenia Qarase

14 June 2005
Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission

People , Law

“Last year (October 2004), the nation celebrated a week of reconciliation and forgiveness, supported by all our main religions and numerous civic organizations and individuals from all our ethnic groups. Some of those who had suffered particular hurt in 2000, questioned the motives behind this and did not feel they could take part. Their views must be respected. They endured an ordeal which left deep wounds.”

Laisenia Qarase

Religion , Feeling , Motivation , Forgiveness

“We encircle the globe with a chain of love, faith and trust, knowing that He (God) is listening.”

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Address to the nation at the National Day of Prayer in Fiji combined church service http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_4615.shtml, Post Fiji Stadium, Suva, 15 May 2005

Love , God , Faith

“I try to live by proper ethical and moral standards and carry out my national duties in accordance with the principles of the God I believe in.”

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Address to the Editors' Forum, Suva, 27 July 2005

God

“"The decision (of the Great Council of Chiefs to endorse the bill) was made in the best interest of the country and a significant milestone in the process of consultation"..”

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Response to the decision of the Great Council of Chiefs to endorse the bill, 28 July 2005

Decision , Country

“Reconciliation between our communities, following all the hurt and distress of 2000, is a critical part of the reconstruction of the country.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpts from an address to the Commonwealth Workshop in Nadi, 29 August 2005

Communication , Parting , Hurt , Country

“I believe many of our country's differences stem from the lack of genuine appreciation of the cultures and religious traditions and beliefs of our various communities.”

Laisenia Qarase

Excerpt from speech at Life Skills workshop, Valelevu Grounds, 22 May 2005

Communication , Country

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

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Address to the nation at the National Day of Prayer in Fiji combined church service http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_4615.shtml, Post Fiji Stadium, Suva, 15 May 2005

Forgiveness , Christ , Dependency

“Opponents seem to think the end of the world is nigh and that law and order will grind to a complete halt. Their strategy is based on attack, attack, attack.”

Laisenia Qarase

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Address to the Editors' Forum, Suva, 27 July 2005

World , Law , Thinking

“My government's aim for Fiji is not to return to where we once were but to journey forward together to a place we have not yet been, a Fiji of lasting peace and harmony, where nobody is left behind or goes without.”

Laisenia Qarase

Speech to Muslims celebrating Mohammed's birthday, 25 April 2005

Peace