jsb resolution signed

Source: www.bougainville-copper.eu

The National - Tuesday, February 22, 2011
By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE PNG-Bougainville joint supervisory body (JSB) joint resolution was signed by the co-chairs yesterday evening after it was delayed for five hours.
The signing was scheduled for 2.30pm yesterday but was delayed and the event?s location was moved to the Golden Bowl Restaurant.
The joint resolution held at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby last week was signed between the Deputy Prime Minister and Works Minister Sam Abal and president of Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis.
Among the resolutions were the progress report on the implementation of stages two and three of the indicative strategic framework for the transfer of mining, oil and gas functions and powers.
It was agreed as proposed by Mining Minister John Pundari that a baseline study be conducted immediately, preceded by a preliminary assessment of certain factors such as environment around Panguna and the lease areas including land and marine environment.
It was resolved that a term of reference was to be developed in consultation between the Pundari and Momis after receiving advice from the technical team from both governments.
It was further resolved that an independent facilitator was appointed with consultation of the minister and the president and a heads of agreement be tabled for endorsement by the JSB.
Other resolutions passed and signed were the powers to transfer education, teaching service, health, lands, forestry and agriculture to Bougainville.
It was also noted that the additional police powers would be signed at the earliest opportunity when the commissioner of the Royal PNG Constabulary was available.
New notices had been served on the national government at the JSB for the transfer of fisheries, commodity boards, forestry and health.
The JSB also noted that progress has been on developing MoUs covering the department of works and community development.
The JSB also endorsed the joint weapons disposal and reconciliation programme by the two governments which includes the financial commitment of K500 million for the next five years starting next year.
Abal said the signing reflected the national government?s commitments to develop Bougainville, an indication of a new chapter that will foster and establish the continuing relationship between Bougainville.
He also called on the public servants to improve if they have not been performing so that the whole restoration and reconciliation process and the development process was elevated to another level