Gun policy key, former rebel says

 Reports by FRANCIS PULU
WITH weapons disposal being one key component of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, former rebel leader Sam Kauona wants a gun policy legislated in the region.
Kauona said with Bougainville heading to a proposed referendum in 2019, the funding budgeted to address this issue should be used wisely on legislations and not on finding ways to dispose weapons.
He said the gun issue was not a concern in the region as all the guns had been given up by the ex-combatants during the ceasefire agreement two decades ago.
Kauona, now an advocate of peace and unity among Bougainville people, said the legislations were important.
“When the laws are in place, it can be easy to control and manage the weapons,” he said.
He said awareness could then be carried out on weapons once the legislations were in place.
Kauona claimed that since Bougainville gained autonomy, there was so much done on the issue but with little impact.
“The weapons are still with the ex-combatants and if there are legislations then we can negotiate for the weapons to be dealt with by the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kauona is calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to involve the ex-combatants when addressing issues of concern before the referendum.