http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/35096Source:The National,...

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/35096

Source:
The National, Tuesday July 3rd, 2012

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government expects the new government to ensure that the concerned parties join the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB).
The JSB comprises ABG members led by President John Momis and their Papua New Guinea counterparts led by the newly-elected prime minister.
The ABG is concerned following the Papua New Guinea government’s failure to uphold contractual obligations in drawing powers and functions to the ABG.
Momis said despite perceptible progress in bringing powers and functions to Bougainville, “there are constraints such as the slow transfer”.
“Among the causes are issues relating to capacity, disinterest on the part of the national government and some legal and institutional restraints relating to absorptive capacity in Bougainville,” Momis said.
He said with this level of development, he thought it was important the ABG and the national government consider new approaches to the transfer issues.
Momis suggested both parties refocus their efforts on four key strategies – capacity and internal and external co-operation, economic issues leading to self-reliance, government institutions establishment and security issues.
He said with these goals his administration had been directed to focus on strengthening the division of autonomy through providing additional resources, including legal expertise.
“I intend to meet with the national government after the elections to consider establishing a small implementing unit at Waigani to execute the co-operative arrangements,” Momis said.

He said that would include a corresponding unit within the ABG division of autonomy or the chief administrator’s office to ensure matters relating to autonomy and the transfer of functions and powers were not entangled.
Momis said since the process of autonomy was new to both governments “each should be mindful and respect all Bougainville peace agreement commitments”.
“Autonomy is not just a phrase in daily use but to which its core objective is the transfer of real powers and functions from the Papua New Guinea government to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”