Pacific / Papua New Guinea

Bougainville fearful over money owed by PNG

10:02 am on 30 November 2017

The President of Bougainville said it is vital Papua New Guinea properly funds the region as it prepares for a referendum on independence.

The President of Bougainville, John Momis Photo: RNZI

Bougainville is to hold the vote in June 2019.

John Momis is to meet PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill next month when the Joint Supervisory Body, which oversees the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, meets.

A critical issue at these talks will be what Bougainville believes is Port Moresby's failure to meet its obligations to properly fund the autonomous region.

Mr Momis said they recognise the parlous state of the PNG economy and wonder if they will ever get their money.

"That has not stopped us from relentlessly talking to the national government," he said.

"Trying to impress upon them the importance of giving us what we are entitled to so that we can, by providing services and taking care of the other important responsibilities under the Peace Agreement, be in a position to create a conducive climate for the two parties, namely the national government and the ABG, to jointly implement the Peace Agreement and including the implementation of the referendum.