PM wants caution over B’ville vote

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says it’s premature to speculate on the final date for the Bougainville referendum.
“I have made it clear that our Government remains committed to the Bougainville peace process, and we will honour our obligations to hold a referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political future,” O’Neill, pictured, said in a statement.
He acknowledged that there have been challenges in establishing the Bougainville Referendum Commission.
However, O’Neill expressed confidence that under the leadership of commission chairman Bertie Ahern, preparations for the referendum would now proceed with greater pace.
“I look forward to meeting with Ahern when he is in Port Moresby later this month and discussing the technical challenges related to preparations for the referendum,” O’Neill said.
“Together with President John Momis we can then determine what more needs to be done and at that time agree on the final date for the referendum.” Under the terms of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, a referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political status must be held by June 15, 2020.
“While both the national government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government have agreed to 15 June 2019 as the referendum target date, this will be guided by technical advice and other considerations.
“I reiterate my commitment to ensure that the referendum is held within the window of time prescribed by the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and will do everything within my power to ensure that it is a free and fair referendum.” Previously the government and the ABG agreed to set a target date for an independence referendum for June 15 this year in Bougainville.