Marape promises to achieve lasting peace on Bougainville

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PRIME Minister James Marape has affirmed his stand on “achieving lasting peace on Bougainville”.
He met Autonomous Region of Bougainville President John Momis yesterday in Port Moresby in which they discussed matters relating to the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“I was very pleased to meet with President Momis, one of our founding fathers, so soon after my election as prime minister,” Marape said.
“This is indicative of the importance I place on the Bougainville Peace Agreement and achieving lasting peace in Bougainville.”
They discussed the referendum and agreed that it be held in October.
They also agreed to continue dialogue on the post-referendum transition period, with the ministerial taskforce to explore options of managing the period following the referendum.
They also re-affirmed their commitments to hold a national reconciliation ceremony in Bougainville next month and to convene a meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body in Buin, on Aug 6.
“My discussions with President Momis were very productive, and we agreed to work in partnership to enhance economic opportunities and to harness natural resources to support long-term and sustainable economic growth,” Marape said.