A former prominent leader in Bougainville says Papua New Guinea has to start discussing compensation for the damage it caused during the civil war.
The Bougainville Civil War caused incredible devastation and loss, including this picture taken at the ruins of Arawa Hospital in 1997. Photo: AFP
Martin Miriori, who led the Bougainville Interim government during the latter stage of the war, says the Joint Supervisory Board talks on Friday in Arawa should consider compensation.
The talks, between the PNG and Bougainville governments, are to lay the final preparations for a referendum next year on possible independence for Bougainville, as laid down in the 2001 Peace Agreement.
Mr Miriori said PNG needs to be held responsible for killing thousands, for the burning down of hundreds of villages and the destruction of property, and these issues need to be talked about now.