BRA rebels pictured at the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1997 Photo: AFP
South Bougainville MP, Timothy Masiu, apologised to Solomon Islands for the anxiety, armed intrusions and atrocities during the Bougainville crisis.
Mr Masiu made the apology in a speech to the Solomon Islands community in Port Moresby celebrating their 40th independence anniversary
Pacnews reports Mr Masiu, who is also the Papua New Guinea deputy opposition leader, said the Bougainville crisis had brought bad experiences to many in Western Solomons.
He said he apologised to the government and people of Solomon Islands for the inconvenience caused throughout the war between the PNG Military and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
Mr Masiu said in a real test of Melanesian generosity Solomon Islanders helped wounded Bougainvilleans who needed care, offered them food and shelter and ensured those that needed urgent medical attention were hospitalised and treated.