A national reconciliation is planned to happen between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea ahead of the referendum later this year.

Acting Secretary for Peace Agreement Implementation Dennis Kuiai revealed this today in a press briefing, saying that the national reconciliation is currently being planned for the 15^th of June 2019.

“It is primarily targeted at the former combatants and members of the PNG security forces including defence, police and the correctional services.”

“It is a call for national reconciliation as Melanesians so that Bougainvilleans in PNG can vote without fear and intimidation,” he said.

Mr. Kuiai explained that the Bougainville Executive Council has appointed Deputy Chief Secretary for Strategic Planning Colonel Thomas Raivet (Ret.) to lead the Bougainville Team and will work in joint collaboration with the PNG Team to plan and lead the implementation of the National Reconciliation.

The recent Joint Supervisory Body meeting earlier this month also noted the continued progress of peace and reconciliation activities happening across Bougainville that is preparing people towards being ‘referendum-ready’.

It further endorsed the recommendation of having a national reconciliation as part of its resolution among others.

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