Cabinet reserved

CABINET has decided to ensure that the National Government stay focused, purposeful and coordinated towards Bougainville.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said in a statement yesterday that this stance was based on a submission made by the Minister responsible for Bougainville Affairs Sir Peter Barter.
“The decision covers a full range of National Governments responsibilities in Bougainville,” Sir Michael said.
Sir Michael said the coordinating agency would be the reconstituted National Coordinating Office for Bougainville Affairs.
“The office functions have been updated to take account into the next phase of peace-building in Bougainville.”
He said the office would be established under a special Act of Parliament, which will ensure that its functions are clearly defined, and the commitment which successive National Governments had made to peace-building in Bougainville is given the force of law.
The Prime Minister said the request for the early transfer of responsibilities for mining, oil and gas raises many potentially important and sensitive land and environmental issues.

 

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