O’Neill, Momis join discussions on autonomy

The Joint Supervisory Body meeting between the PNG and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville governments has acknowledged the need for further work on how greater autonomy should be defined.
In attendance were Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Bougainville president John Momis along with ministers and officials of both governments.
It was agreed that a referendum ministerial task force take the lead in this work, with a view to stock-take on the nature and scope of the current autonomy arrangements.
The task force, with a further meeting expected to take place, will enable a clear definition of greater autonomy to be formed.
The leaders directed the task force to prepare a concept paper for review by the two governments by the end of this month for consideration.
O’Neill indicated that now was the time for partnership, and for the two governments to come together to ensure that the Bougainville Peace Agreement was delivered in its entirety.
He also assured the meeting that all possible resources would be made available to ensure a successful outcome.
Momis reinforced the importance of the joint body as a mechanism for resolving difference and reaching agreement.
He also expressed concern regarding any moves to seek a Supreme Court reference on the constitutionality of independence.