The President of Bougainville, John Momis Photo: RNZI
The leader of Bougainville, John Momis, says he doesn't mind the Papua New Guinea prime minister, Peter O'Neill, assuming the Bougainville Affairs portfolio.
Mr O'Neill stepped in last month replacing Steven Kama who is recovering from an illness.
The PNG prime minister has promised to honour the role and Mr Momis, who is the leader of the autonomous Bougainville government, said the advantage is the buck stops with Mr O'Neill so there can be no excuses.
But he said the PNG leader already has a heavy workload.
"One would think he would give it to a performing minister but I am not sure whether he is going to hold it permanently or whether he wants to give it to somebody down the line. But for the time being we will deal with the PM holding the portfolio, the Bougainville Affairs portfolio."
Bougainville's president, John Momis, is threatening legal action against the PNG government if it fails to meet its financial obligations to the formerly wartorn region.