Toroama outlines platforms

BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama is riding on three platforms during his term in office – independence, economic revitalisation and ending corruption and improving law and order.
He said these platforms appealed to the average Bougainvilleans because they demanded a change from the previous political regime and wanted decisive and pragmatic leadership.
In a statement yesterday, Toroama said the steady progress of the fourth House of Representative was promising and he expected his cabinet and the rest of the House to achieve many of their goals.
“We have steadily gained traction on very important issues as we progress Bougainville’s political agenda,” he said. “It is no secret that my unwavering resolve is for Bougainville to achieve political independence and to be recognised by the international community as a sovereign state.
“As a signatory to the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), I am required on principal to abide by its parameters and as President I am morally obligated to do so even more.
“I must reassure the people of Bougainville and PNG that the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is committed to implementing the BPA.
“The time for conflict is over and this ABG is committed to delivering Bougainville’s political independence; this means we respect and work within the legal framework already in place.
“We are currently at a very crucial juncture in the Bougainville peace process; the post referendum consultations requires diplomacy, empathy and an appreciation of the history of Bougainville’s journey to self-determination.
“We cannot afford to be sidetracked by dissention and disunity.