·

Follow

20 hours ago

·

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍 “𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐋 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐑” 𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐄

I have been made aware of historical video footage reported in the media relating to a private family gathering in Savai’i in 2007.

The footage shows me using the words “Heil Hitler” and participating in a gesture associated with Nazi Germany in a private family gathering - not intended for the public. Whatever the context or intention at that gathering twenty years ago,

I recognise that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt and I apologise for using them.

I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism. They do not reflect my personal beliefs, nor the values of the Government or people of Samoa as in the public record of statements I made since becoming Prime Minister.

Samoa is a constitutional democracy founded upon respect for human dignity, the rule of law, Parliament, our courts, our traditional institutions and freedom of expression. My government remains committed to those principles.

In June this year, we celebrated and honoured our national heroes and leaders who fought and died for our country’s independence from colonial rule. We continue to celebrate the strength of our culture that identify and unite us as a people and as a sovereign and independent nation.

I respect that those of us who hold public office, and where criticism is justified, we must be prepared to listen and take responsibility.

Our country faces important economic and social challenges. My responsibility as Prime Minister is to continue the work already laid out to strengthen our economy, creating opportunities for our people and serving all of Samoa.

I consider this matter addressed as I remain focused on the huge responsibilities ahead of us all.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5910032&forum_id=2#50172939)