This is fantastic news! If the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA) is to be reviewed BOC and most likely even RIO would have to make an announcement. I would make a bet we will see headlines like "Panguna to be reopened" in the media.
In my eyes that leaves us with one remaining bottleneck before Momis can send the BCA-invitation to the stakeholders: Landowner elections for having a seat at the table of the BCA-review. Not an easy one, but if Momis pushs for it it should be doable. Hopefully much earlier than by the end of 2010. ;-))
Here is the article, the last three paragraphs are of most interest.
14 July 2010 140710 MOMIS LACK OF SERVICE By Aloysius Laukai
The new Momis/Nisira Government is attempting to create and improve the living standard of all the people of Bougainville through its economic policy.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Hon Chief John Momis unveiled his governments move in his first official statement to Members of the House of Representatives during its meeting today.
President Momis said the ABG has a responsibility to improve the lives of its people through its economic and developmental programs.
He said the government can only do this if it understands the needs of the people.
He said there are many areas in Bougainville still in isolation and the government as the servant of the people must do all it can to address the needs and aspirations of these people.
The president cited areas like, Konnou in South Bougainville, Panguna and Torokina in Central Bougainville.
These areas lack proper transport, health and education services.
In Torokina, people have resorted to selling Second World War ammunitions for cash to earn a living.
To change this, President Momis said the government plans to develop the Torokina area agriculturally with the planned Oil Palm Project.
The Torokina District is the least developed area of Bougainville according to the president.
The establishment of the Oil Palm Project and other agricultural development would greatly improve the way of living of the people there.
He said the government would continue with the former governments decision to conduct a review on the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA).
Under the BCA review, the wishes of the people particularly the landowners would be seriously taken into consideration with more consultation and dialogue.
The president has indicated that the review would commence before the end of the year.
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