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PNG Prime Minister and Bougainville President discuss BPA

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea the Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG and President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville the Hon. John Momis, CGL met on Thursday 12 April 2018 in Port Moresby to discuss progress in implementing key aspects of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

The meeting was broad ranging and productive in nature, with the two leaders committing to hold the next meeting of Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) in Arawa from 16 to 17 May 2018.  It was agreed that this meeting will provide the basis on which to agree to key issues around the referendum, including the question or questions to be put and the voting criteria to apply.  Other issues to be discussed will include membership and funding arrangements for the Bougainville Referendum Commission; progressing the Second Joint Autonomy Review drawing on support from the United Nations; and continued work around Weapons Disposal Plan.  Funding issues will also be raised, including in the areas of fisheries and the compromise funding agreement for the Restoration and Development Grant.

Both the Prime Minister and the President agreed that now is the time for action with respect to enhancing critical peace building and reconciliation initiatives.  It was agreed that a formal announcement would soon be made on the Chair of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, and that both Governments continue to commit to funding and support arrangements to enable the work of the Commission to proceed.

It was noted that the formal opening of the recently refurbished Arawa Hospital will occur around the time of the JSB, enabling both leaders to recognise this highly important infrastructure project.

The Prime Minister and the President also discussed opportunities for enhancing economic development in Bougainville, with the Prime Minister undertaking to support the Autonomous Bougainville Government in exploring opportunities for development partnerships similar to that which has been negotiated in relation to Ok Tedi.

The meeting concluded with a commitment on the part of both Leaders to maintain continued dialogue in the lead up to the next JSB and beyond, with view to ensuring that the commitments contained in the Bougainville Peace Agreement are honoured.

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