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FIJI, May 15, 2004: In an act of honor, Ratu Epeli, on behalf of the Great Council of Chiefs, publicly apologized for the events of racial tension in 1987 and 2000 against Indian residents. Ratu Epeli says, ” I am not claiming perfection and unfailing wisdom in the administration of the Great Council of Chiefs for the past 130 years or even today. I do admit that there have been momentary lapses like in 1987 and 2000 where we allowed our politics to emphasize our racial differences because we have allowed ill-will and intolerance to cloud our judgement. Multiracialism was born in Fiji when indentured labourers arrived more than 125 years ago. Indians are here to stay and increase trade and industry and this has been done in the best interest of Fijians and Fiji.” Epeli also asked that Fijians look ahead into the future 125 years, put blame behind them, and that all communities support each other as a unified nation.

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