Self-govt challenges raised

BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama has highlighted challenges that the Government is facing in relation to the region’s call for independence.
Toroama said he noted some of those challenges and added: “Firstly, you are concerned that Bougainville independence might trigger off fragmentation of PNG.
“We are firmly of the view that the Bougainville history, the Bougainville Crisis, the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Referendum are unique to Bougainville.
“There are no other facts supporting similar sentiments elsewhere.
“Secondly, I also see some sentiments that Bougainville is moving away from PNG for good.
“While Bougainville will have new national symbols and a new international border, Bougainville will still be a Melanesian brother.
“There will be no alterations at the business and personal levels.
“What we are embarking on and trying to redefine is the new political relationship.
“The declaration of Bougainville’s independence is not the end of our relationship.
“Thirdly, Prime Minister (James Marape), Bougainville stands ready to assist PNG in conducting awareness throughout PNG in order to put to rest any uncertainties there may be in PNG.
“Prime minister, we are addressing a political situation that needs a political solution.
“If we leave too much to the technical teams, they will keep coming back to us, the political leaders.
“So, let us make some political inroads, making it easier for the technical teams to tidy up.
“As you know, the spirit of the consultations so far has been very positive and give credit to you, prime minister, for your openness and sincerity in the consultations so far.
“This meeting (joint supervisory body) is intended to build on the momentum created through the signing of the joint communique, the Sharp Agreement and the understandings of the Kokopo consultations.”