The President of Bougainville John Momis says there is a need for a higher authority to enforce the implementation of the referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea.
The President of Bougainville, John Momis Photo: RNZI
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He said there is still much to do to prepare for the vote, set tentatively for June next year, but the national government is not doing its bit.
Both governments are equally responsible for the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which was signed in 2001.
But Mr Momis said it is getting very late and the window of opportunity is closing, while the national government procrastinates, making commitments but not implementing them.
"We have come all thise way but the national government does not seem to care. so we are running out of time. It's frustrating. Well I am even saying what is Australia going to do, what is New Zealand going to do - they were the witnesses. What are the United Nations going to do?"