Papua New Guinea's government is hoping to negotiate a future for Bougainville, where it remains connected to the PNG state.
Leaders from PNG and Bougainville are approaching negotiations over how to implement the result of Bougainville's recent independence referendum.
An overwhelming majority of Bougainvilleans voted for independence, but the referendum result must be ratified by PNG's Parliament to come into effect.
The regional MP for Bougainville, Joe Lera, offered his insight into how PNG's government is approaching the negotiations to Johnny Blades.
He began by revealing that he's resigning as a national MP to run for president in June's elections for the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
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Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades