Governments can learn from examples to decide independence: Sir Puka

National

Bougainville Affairs Minister Sir Puka Temu says there are examples in the region such as the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship they can learn from in determining the future of Bougainville.
“It is a good example for the consultative team from the Government and the Autonomous Bougainville (ABG) government to draw experience from,” he said.
“Cook Island is an independent state within the independent state of NZ.
“But they agreed that the NZ government looks after the Cook Island’s defence.” He said the Cook Island government looked after its own foreign affairs matters.
“But the Cook Islands can be released any time by the NZ government.
“So such an arrangement can be made between PNG and Bougainville until such time when Bougainville becomes prosperous.
“Parliament can then ratify the referendum results.”
Sir Puka attended yesterday’s final Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Port Moresby.
“There are such examples in the region and the world where nations through constitution process post-conflict, are able to structure referendum results,” he said.
“In our case, the Government (must decide) how to negotiate between granting independence and still uniting the country.”

3 comments

  • People have spoken through the ballot and the world have heard and witness it, why playing delay tactic just give them independence and they have spoken through ballot. Bougainvillians dont need and want anymore sweet talks from PNG government anymore because they have lost enough lives and properties already. Why now hesitating and going through all kinds of talks? They deserve independence so give it to them. Stop wasting time and making all kinds of excuses. We dont want to see another crisis arise from this.

  • Because of the Bougainville crises, this country suffered economically hence the current kina value. The more we hang on, we will loose more. Over 90% of the people voted for independence meaning they just want to break away from PNG. Why are we still holding on then? Just simply let them go…

    • Yes true..To add on, Bougainville’s case is different altogether from all the other small independent Pacific countries. Bloodshed is the most vocal point in this case.

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