Saying sorry

PRIME Minister James Marape has accepted Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s apology to the people for the “primitive animals” remarks he made on Australian media, and is urging everyone to forgive him.
“Minister Tkatchenko apologised to me and to the country for his remarks for the use of the words ‘primitive animals’,” Marape said in a statement last night.
“I advised him that as ministers of state, and leaders of our country, we carry a huge responsibility in how we respond to public scrutiny of our conduct as well as that of family members.
“We should not be labelling our citizens as primitive animals even if they have wronged us.”
Marape said he was also offended by Tkatchenko’s remarks, labelling social media critics of his daughter as “primitive animals”, but had accepted Tkatchenko’s apology and asked all Papua New Guineans to do likewise, and to forgive him.
Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso summoned Tkatchenko yesterday to explain the circumstances behind the public outburst, especially his use of the words “primitive animals” in an interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Pacific Beat programme.
“DPM Rosso and I expressed concern about the use of these words, to which he responded that it was not directed at all Papua New Guineans, but a spur-of-moment response to social media attacks on his daughter,” Marape said.
Marape in the statement also apologised to the people of PNG for Tkatchenko’s “unsavoury use of words”. He urged the country “to rise above these issues”.
“I appeal to our people that we should rise above these issues and stand united as one people, one nation, one country regardless of colour or creed,” he said.
“We are a unique blend of ethnic diversities, and as Christians, we can forgive each other.
“I am also offended like some of you, but our national character is put to the test and on the brightest spotlight. And we must show the world that we can forgive those who offend us.”
Marape said that in less than two weeks, PNG would be hosting the United States President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We will also have 16 other Pacific leaders coming to PNG at the same time,” he said.
“This will be a momentous and historic occasion – which should rally our nation together – and we should not let this issue stand in the way.
“I ask our citizens far and wide – who have been offended by Minister Tkatchenko’s remarks – to forgive him.
“The spotlight of the world is upon us now and for the next 10 days until the two global leaders arrive.
“There can be no greater reference for our national character than us showing the spirit of forgiveness.”