29.03.2011Source: The NationalAussie rep on island affairs tours...

29.03.2011
Source: The National


Aussie rep on island affairs tours Bougainville
By STEPHANIE ELIZAH


AUSTRALIA parliamentary secretary for Pacific Islands Affairs Richard Marles arrived in Bougainville yesterday for a three-day official tour.
The visit follows an invitation from Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President John Momis during his visit to Australia last month to seek financial aid for the next three to five years which included;
* A$50 million (K131.8 million) to assist and restore Arawa as the economic hub and service delivery centre for Central Bougainville and also as the administrative capital of Bougainville,
* A$3 million (K7.9 million) to engage experts to help the ABG in its options of mining in Bougainville; and
* A$2 million (K5.2 million) per year over the next five years to resettle Carteret and other atoll islanders on mainland Buka and Bougainville.
Marles said he would have further discussions on ABG?s request for assistance during his courtesy call to Momis today before the Australian delegation, including Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish, departs for Arawa.
?We are here on principle, to see progress of the Bougainville peace agreement to which Australia was a key participant to the achievement of this very important document.
?We will meet with ABG and the national government to get their sense of how they have progressed in ensuring the agreement is followed,? Marles said.
During his stay in Bougainville, Marles will also meet with ABG Mining Minister Michael Oni and Bougainville ACP Thomas Eluh.
He will also officiate at the ground breaking ceremony for Koromira Technical High School in Kieta after meeting with ABG Primary Industry Minister Nicholas Daku and Central Bougainville leaders.