According to widespread consultations made by the Autonomous Bougainville Government over the past five years, a majority of Bougainvilleans want to negotiate the possible re-opening of the Panguna mine.
But Bougainville President John Momis said this will only be supported under strict conditions, which include dealing with the environmental and social issues, and making sure that Bougainvilleans get a fair share of the wealth created from the mine.
Mr Momis said this while addressing the first Panguna negotiation forum meeting held yesterday at the Kuri Village Resort in Buka.
He said the only way for Bougainville to achieve conditions in its favour is to negotiate with unity and strength. This is the main reason why the government has established the negotiation forum.
The forum is made up of government leaders, senior administration officers, landowner leaders, ex-combatants from the three regions of Bougainville and women representatives, churches, youth and businesses.
“You are the people who can create a united front for Bougainville in negotiations about Panguna,” he said.
“You are the ones who can establish a Bougainville negotiating position, and can work together to try and achieve the goals of Bougainvilleans.”
He said the preparations for negotiations have reached an advanced stage and expected to start in early 2015.
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