Bougainville and PNG govts meet for talks in Arawa

The Papua New Guinea and autonomous Bougainville governments are meeting today in Arawa for the latest talks on Bougainville's post-referendum process.

The Bougainville Joint Consultative Body is the primary forum for both governments to discuss issues and comply with the requirements of the Peace Agreement.

The latest meeting of the joint body is co-chaired by PNG's Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama.

The National Coordination Office for Bougainville Affairs director Dr Henry Okole said under the PNG government stood committed to fulfilling all its responsibilities under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Under the Agreement, the autonomous PNG region held a non-binding referendum on independence in late 2019.

Almost 98 percent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence in the historic referendum, but the result is subject to ratification by PNG's national parliament. First the two governments are entering extensive consultations.

Dr Okole said the government's commitment also extended to "ensuring that the Bougainville Peace Agreement, as well as the referendum outcome, are respected in ensuring Bougainville's aspirations are achieved".

"Despite the delays in convening the JCB meeting, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the political impasse at the national level, the State is now set for the meeting, with technical officials from both governments working to put together joint agenda of items to be discussed."

Issues that will be discussed at the JCB include post-referendum joint inter-government consultation process framework, a planned Bougainville Economic and Investment Summit, shares in Bougainville Copper Limited, fisheries, taxation, funding for small and medium enterprises, and foreign mission offices in Bougainville.

A second review on autonomy and an update of drawdown of remaining powers and functions is also on the cards.