Momis on proposed unity visit
"I welcome recent statements on a proposed unity visit to Bougainville by former Prime Ministers, initiated in the spirit of enhancing peace and unity in Bougainville," said the President Chief Dr John Momis on the planned visit by the PNG former Prime Minister Julius Chan.
"But I would be remiss if I did not place on record the facts as they relate to the Bougainville Peace Agreement," Mr Momis added.
"Whilst talk of unity and enhancing peace should not, and must not, come at the expense of the mutual obligations that the Bougainville Peace Agreement creates, It is a fact that Bougainville has been more sinned against, than sinned, since the Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed," he said.
"The Agreement contains very clear provisions in relation to what must happen to ensure long term peace and stability for our people and it is a fact that the National Government has consistently, through successive Governments, failed to uphold their end of the bargain. An agreement is only as useful as the willingness of the respective parties to adhere to what has been agreed," he said.
President Momis spelled out the two specific issues that the BPA is clear about.
"The Bougainville Peace Agreement is clear with respect to two specific issues."
"First, there are very clear provisions with respect to funding to support the restoration and development of Bougainville. This is contained in Section 160 of the Agreement which provides a clear basis for the calculation of the annual Restoration and Development Grant. Yet, it is again a fact that the National Government through years of economic negligence has consistently failed in their obligations to provide these funds. This has in turn undermined the peace process, placing Bougainville in an almost impossible position with respect to rebuilding from the conflict, a war that cost more than 20, 000 lives. It has, in many ways, sabotaged the peace process, whether intentional or not."
"Second, the Prime Minister is wrong to state that Independence is not guaranteed by the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Section 2 of the Agreement states, without ambiguity, that separate independence for Bougainville must be one of the options put to the people. Of course, the people can choose to remain a part of PNG with continued autonomy, but independence must be an option. For the Prime Minister to question this does not serve to create an environment conducive to peace; rather, it creates confusion and uncertainty for the people of Bougainville."
"It is in that context that I welcome the proposed unity visit, but it must be conducted from a standpoint of respect and honesty. Any visit must acknowledge the wrongs of the past, and it must present honestly the facts and the options that are open to the people of Bougainville. This must include the fact that separate independence for Bougainville is an option."
"The visit will of course present an opportunity for continued dialogue. For us to succeed in ensuring that the true intent of the Bougainville Peace Agreement is achieved, we must ensure we have in place the systems and processes to conduct the referendum in a fair, open and transparent manner. Simply put, it must be based on facts."
"Now is the time for the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the government of PNG to draw a line and commit to the process of peace once and for all. If the proposed visit provides the platform on which that can be achieved, then it is welcomed. But this must not come at the expense of holding the meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body, as agreed, in the coming month in Bougainville."
"In the meantime, I continue to call on the United Nations and our political partners to hold both parties to account. The clock is ticking and the people are watching. It is incumbent upon all of us, Bougainvilleans, Papua New Guineans and the international community alike, to ensure that the vision of peace so clearly articulated in the Bougainville Peace Agreement is achieved."
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