Stick to peace deal, Marape told

AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama has warned Prime Minister James Marape to continue implementing the Bougainville peace agreement as they approach the next stage of the “independence” negotiations.
He said they must honour the provisions of Era Kone covenant.
Toroama made the plea after Australia said it would support the PNG Government on whatever decision it made on Bougainville’s aspirations for political independence from PNG.
In a statement, Toroama said: “Since the cessation of the Bougainville civil war and the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001, Australia has maintained its neutrality.
“This is the very first time it has come out clear, without much surprise to us, to support the Government of PNG on the issue of Bougainville’s independence aspirations. It has become clear now why our requests for resources and assistance for independence preparation-related activities have been ignored.
“I would like to remind the Australian Government that it was they who instigated the Bougainville crisis through their involvement with Rio Tinto when they suppressed the rights of the people of Bougainville.”
He said statements by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles were “veiled threats” to the government and people of Bougainville.
“The Bougainville Peace Agreement spells out a process of healing and a way forward for Bougainville and PNG through a peaceful approach which is based on the core values of our Melanesian traditions and cultures.
“This is not something I believe the Australian Government would have an understanding of,” he said.