Former BRA urges PNG Government to allow independence

A FORMER secretary of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and interim government has called on the PNG Government to let Bougainville gain independence.
Martin Miriori said following “an overwhelming landslide victory supporting independence for Bougainville, PNG has no choice but to let Bougainville go”.
Miriori urged PNG to “respect and honour the will of the people being democratically expressed through the ballot box by formally endorsing and ratifying the independence for Bougainville as quickly as possible within the next two to three years”.
“With its vast wealth and resources, Bougainville is certainly ready and is prepared to establish new relations and forge ahead with nation-building,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed “the successful holding of the referendum, as well as all voters, for their dedication and peaceful conduct of the process”.
“This historic referendum marks an important step forward in the ongoing implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” he said.
“The United Nations has been present in Bougainville since 1998 and will continue to support the implementation of the peace agreement at the request of the parties.”