The Papua New Guinea Minister of Bougainville Affairs, Sir Puka Temu, says the presence of illegal weapons in Bougainville remains a major concern for both governments.
Sir Puka Temu Photo: AFP
Bougainville is due to hold a referendum on independence from PNG starting on 12 October.
The Post Courier reported Sir Puka saying the weapons disposal programme is still a priority and will remain so following the vote.
Thirty of the 33 constituencies have declared that they are gun free and ready for the vote.
Sir Puka said both governments have a strategy to establish a weapons disposal secretariat which will have a committee in each electorate.