not out of the woods yet....., page-7

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20070119/frhome.htm



Call for plan to transfer powers

THE National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have 12 months to come up with a plan to ensure resources and capacity required for the proper function of power are in place when the transfer occurs.
Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare revealed this after the Cabinet directed officials to prepare an urgent report on the implications of the request from (ABG) for the early transfer of responsibility for the functions of mining, oil and gas.
The decision came about after a briefing by the Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs Sir Peter Barter after receiving ABG’s request. ABG leaders have demanded that certain functions or powers be delivered immediately.
“Last year, the Government directed the Central Agencies Co-ordination Committee to set up a core working-group of senior officials to advise the Government on issues raised by requests by the ABG for the transfer of functions and powers,” Sir Michael said after the Cabinet made the decision.
He added that the core working-group has, in fact, already begun identifying and considering the issues raised by this particular request.
Its report will help Cabinet decide how to respond to the request from the ABG.
Sir Michael maintained the Bougainville Peace Agreement provides for the phased transfer of responsibility for a long list of important functions and powers from the National Government to the ABG.
“The legal procedures are set out in the National Constitution, Part XIV and the Organic Law on Peace-Building, which give the agreement legal effect.”

That was the first step to the reopening of the giant panguna copper mine.

Boc is in talks with the landowners of the Panguna area
Watch the trades just after the parliament session 17+18.1 ;-))