PM, Momis throw weight behind B’ville peace deal

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill, pictured, and President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Dr John Momis have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Meeting in Port Moresby as part of a special meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body, they discussed broad-ranging issues associated with the upcoming referendum.
They noted the importance of ensuring the referendum was free and fair, and conducted in full accordance with the Constitution and the peace agreement.
They agreed that it was essential that people understand the choice to be put, and the process to be followed once the referendum has taken place.
The meeting was attended by the chairman of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, Bertie Ahern, a former Prime Minister of Ireland.
Ahern assured them of his commitment to ensure that the referendum iswasconducted freely and fairly.
They endorsed a proposed budget of K34 million for 2019.
O’Neill undertook to see that it was incorporated in the 2019 national budget next month.
It was agreed that the question to be put at the referendum would clearly outline the process to be followed after the referendum takes place and would be accompanied by a comprehensive awareness campaign.