By
The Associated Press
HONIARA, Solomon Islands - After a string of postponements, peace talks aimed at ending nearly two years of ethnic bloodshed on the Solomon Islands began yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza said the country stands "on the threshold of changing our present situation of suffering and sadness into a future position of hope for joy, peace, progress and prosperity."
At least 60 people died in sporadic fighting on this Pacific archipelago 1,600 miles east of Sydney, Australia, before a cease-fire was signed in July.
The conflict pitted the Isatabus, indigenous to the main island of Guadalcanal, against immigrants from neighboring Malaita island.
Fighting began 21 months ago after Isatabus forced out 20,000 Malaitans, saying the immigrants were taking jobs and land. It escalated June 5 when fighters angered by the expulsion seized the nation's capital, Honiara, on Guadalcanal.
Kemakeza said government negotiators would focus on the origins of the conflict, land issues and a possible amnesty for fighters.
The premier of Guadalcanal province, Ezekiel Alebua, appealed to negotiators to "cast aside any emotions, feelings of hatred, desire of vengeance and arrogance." Alebua led a 16-member delegation that included six Isatabu commanders.
Isatabu spokesman Henry Tobani said peace talks should address "injustices toward Guadalcanal people on matters pertaining to land, migration ... and employment issues."
Malaita province's deputy premier, Benjamin Harohau, said his negotiators would seek compensation and work toward reconciliation and national unity.
Malaita rebel spokesman Andrew Nori said his side would try "to re-establish trust among ourselves and to search diligently for peace."
After opening ceremonies, talks were adjourned until Sunday. They are being held on the New Zealand naval frigate Te Kaha.
