PM should include B’ville in UN address

PRIME Minister James Marape will be in New York, United States, to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
He will present development issues affecting Papua New Guinea and the effects of climate change.
However, it is disappointing to see that Marape has nothing to present on the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the results of the Bougainville Referendum.
The UN is an international body that was established to maintain peace in all countries.
Why has the prime minister decided not to inform the UN on the peace process in Bougainville?
The global community is interested to hear the recent referendum on Bougainville’s independence.
Even if the results of the referendum are binding on the PNG Parliament, the world needs to know this.
The world needs to be informed on how PNG has played its role in giving effect to internal self-determination in dealing with the Bougainville issue.
A summary report on the peace process including the drawdown of powers to Bougainville, continuous dialogue between Bougainville and PNG and ratification needs to be conveyed to the global community through the UN General Assembly.
We hope there is still enough time for the prime minister to include a Bougainville report.

Mansa Musa,
NCD