As the first contributor to debate on a motion tabled in the National Assembly by Herero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako on atrocities inflicted between 1904 and 1908 and the demand for reparations from Germany, Tjiriange said the motion was "a battle for the recognition of the wrongs of the German imperial colonial army", wrongs which today were internationally recognised.

"This is a right of the Namibian people and Government recognises it as such and on the other side it is a wrong the German people and (their) Government are expected to accept and admit," the Minister told the House and a packed visitors' gallery yesterday.

"We as representatives of the Namibian people should strongly pronounce ourselves upon what we should demand from the German government - in this case (it) is very simple: reparation for the 1904-1906 Herero Genocide," Tjiriange stated.

"We as a responsible organ of the Namibian State must be cognisant of our international obligation which impacts on our country and equally the policy of the Government … the Herero genocide is an episode of the entire Namibian nation," the Minister said.

For this reason, the debate should take centre stage nationally, he advocated.

"By debating this motion we are appealing to the moral conscience and support not only from the Members of the House, but also to the conscience of mankind at large to recognise the suffering of our people and above al the legitimacy of their charge of genocide against the German government."

DTA President Katuutire Kaura adjourned the debate to Tuesday.

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