Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he is confident all MPs will vote to keep Bougainville within PNG after next year's referendum.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on the election campaign trail in Chimbu Province. Photo: PMO Media
The referendum is the culmination of the Peace Agreement that was signed 17 years ago.
It allows Bougainvilleans to vote on their future political status with one option being independence from PNG.
Mr O'Neill told a business forum last week in Brisbane that his government would ensure the letter and spirit of the Peace Agreement was followed.
The National newspaper also reported him saying the referendum was not about independence but about what was best for the people of Bougainville and how they wanted their government to run their affairs.
When the outcome of the referendum was tabled in the national Parliament, Mr O'Neill said he was sure every MP would vote in the interests of a unified and harmonious country.