ex combatants form security firm

On the track to reopen the Pangunamine.;-))

Rio owns 54% of Bougainville Copper

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20061107/tuhome.htm

Ex-combatants form security firm

EX-COMBATANTS in Central Bougainville, once the nemesis of many ordinary Bougainvilleans, are trading their combat skills for protection and security for organisations. In what is seen as an exemplary initiative to all other ex-combatants on Bougainville, they have formed a security company in Arawa, Bougainville’s former mining capital. The firm to be known as Regional Islands International Security Services (RIISS) was formed this year by ex-fighters in Central Bougainville, and they are now doing their first contract with a Canadian company, Invincible Resources Co-corporation. RIISS have won the contract to guard by guarding the Assay lab and the Arawa Communications Centre. RIISS manager Steven Topesi told the Islands Post in Buka that they had now created a job opportunity for ex-combatants in Central Bougainville. “It is not just for business sake but also an obligation to the community we need to look after the properties. We have spoilt a lot of properties during the crisis and now we want to look after the properties that are already on the ground,” Mr Topesi said. He also appeals to other former combatants to venture into a more productive way of life and also called on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to also come up with alternatives to help veterans. The formation of the firm has also made business houses in Arawa feel safe with the presence of a security firm. Tarliz Trading and Kieta Copra Exporters manager Tarcicius Karuai praised the ex-combatants saying what they have done is both historical and responsible for the community. “Security for our businesses is a major concern in Arawa but we can now breathe easy with the presence of this new security firm around,” Mr Karuai said.


http://www.thenational.com.pg/103106/nation18.htm

.....Meanwhile, landowners in the Panguna area are moving to reconcile their differences this week.
A representative of the Old Landowners Association Lawrence Daviona was flown in from Port Moresby by a special mining task force to begin discussions with landowners on the ground.
The ABG has set aside K100,000 to fund the landowners’ reconciliation process in order for the ABG to negotiate the re-opening of the copper mine.
http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20061103/frhome.htm
Peace pact paves way

A MAJOR reconciliation ceremony has taken place in Arawa to pave the way for road construction to begin on the Pavaire feeder road. The shaking of hands and breaking of long-time grudges took place between former combatants and a paramount chief Tony Korokoro. The feud dates back to when the Bougainville conflict started and both parties decided to come together to let development come into the area. Mr Korokoro’s wife Pauline, paramount chief Naona Tanung, clan chief Benjamin Paae and chairmen of the coucil of elders, John Dona, attended the ceremony with ex-combatants.



Dickson Siparu, who was involved in the reconciliation, told Bougainville Update the people wanted to put all differences aside and let development take place. The ceremony, held at section 19 in Arawa town, was also attended by Autonomous Bougainville Government Member for Kokoda, Rodney Job Oisico, who commended Mr Korokoro and the former combatants for the initiative to promote development. “We want to promote what the ABG stands for and that is creating a peaceful society among us through reconciliation, and also promote infrastructural development,” Mr Oisico said. “I am happy at the way which my people are co-operating.” Mr Siparu said that there were some money exchanged including shell money. The improvement of the Arawa-Pavaire feeder road will be funded by the European Union under its Bougainville Implementattion Program.

And here the reopening of the Pangunamine will be officialised ;-)))))

http://www.pnginvestment.cia.com.au/M&P.pdf

The Mineral Resources Authority, the Revised Mining Act
and the Review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement
Hon. Sam Akoitai, MP
Minister for Mining