The Bougainville Government says it's not worried by statements from Papua New Guinea's Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae, aiming to discourage the push for independence.
The governor general said PNG could disintegrate if national government allowed Bougainville to become independent.
Voters queue at a polling station in Buka during Bougainville's independence referendum, November 2018. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Bougainville and PNG have recently started to negotiate a path to possible independence.
Sir Bob was commenting during the Remembrance Day celebrations in Port Moresby last week.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama said Sir Bob is entitled to an opinion but this wouldn't dissuade Bougainville from pursuing its independence aspirations.
Toroama said the Bougainville Peace Agreement guarantees Bougainvilleans that they are the masters of their political destiny.
He said Bougainville will continue its 'Independence Ready' preparations while consulting with the National Government.
Sir Bob and Lady Hannah Dadae. Photo: Supplied