prime minister assures bougainville

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Quelle: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

12.05.2014


Prime Minister assures Bougainville
by Anthony Kaybing

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill has assured ABG President Chief Dr John Momis that the National Government will not influence the Panguna issue.
Mr O’Neill made this remark during a meeting between the two leaders last week in the nation’s capital.

The Prime Minister said it is not the intention of the National Government to decide or to take control of the Panguna Mine.
The Prime Minister made this remark following the controversial takeover of Ok Tedi Mine by the National Government which saw the PNG Sustainable Program being superseded.
The Prime Minister adds the final decision to reopen the mine rest with the people of Bougainville with their legimate government the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Amongst the issues discussed between the two leaders was the correct calculation of the Restoration Development Grant.
President Momis was happy to reveal that both governments have reached a consensus on the issue with the National Government agreeing to pay the outstanding arrears but over a period of time.
President Momis also added that the Prime Minister was happy to hear of the ABG’s initiative to create its own public service which shows its intent to move towards the creation of its autonomous institutions.
Much of what has been discussed between the two leaders will be tabled during the next Joint Supervisory Meeting which is proposed to be held in June of this year.