I write with reference to your article on SCOPP. I should note that I did not say that there was now no need for the institution, since I believe an institution that promotes capacity and opportunities for all, responsible directly to His Excellency the President, could play a very useful role. This is the more important in the context of current rehabilitation needs.

What I noted to your reporter is that I could understand the argument that a specific institute for peace was not essential, since SCOPP was originally set up for negotiations which stopped some time back, and the APRC which we have been facilitating is due to report soon. Besides, all branches of government are now contributing to the perpetuation of peace through initiatives such as the Northern and the Eastern revivals and other programmes to promote equity and sustainable development.

I made no comment myself as to my continuing as Secretary of a Ministry. It would have been inappropriate to do so in a context in which the future employment of some of my colleagues is in doubt.