Another K10mil given to prepare for referendum

By JEFFREY ELAPA
ANOTHER K10 million will be released by the Government this week to assist Bougainville continue with its referendum preparations, Prime Minster Peter O’Neill says.
The Government released K10 million earlier from the budgeted K30 million.
A Joint Supervisory Body consisting of delegations from PNG and the Autonomous Government of Bougainville met on Friday.
O’Neill and President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Dr John Momis said they were pleased with the outcome as many outstanding issues were discussed to progress the referendum according to the peace agreement.
Speaking during a media conference after signing of the Joint Supervisory Body Agreement in Port Moresby on Friday, O”Neill said the meeting was constructive as they reaffirmed their commitment to Bougainville.
He said while they concluded a successful dialogue, they also reset the date for the referendum from June 15 to Oct 12 this year as recommended by the Bougainville Referendum Committee led by chairman Bertie Ahern (Ireland).
He said writs would be issued in August with voting to take place in October which they want to be free and fair.
The results will be forwarded to Parliament to deliberate on.
O’Neill said the national government would continue to support Bougainville to ensure funding was released and voter registrations were done to include those in Bougainville and outside.
O’Neill said a task force was established comprising officers from both government to deal with some of the outstanding issues.
He said among the issues was more awareness work.
The prime minister welcomed the move taken by the Mekamui faction to surrender weapons.
O’Neill said all weapons should be surrendered to pave the way for the referendum.