The Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government must work together to decide Bougainville’s future. This is from the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Chief John Momis.
While welcoming the Parliamentary Bi-partisan Committee on Referendum, Chief Momis says both governments must concentrate, on how best to engage, in a transparent and principled manner, mutually acceptable for the people’s benefit.
The Parliamentary Bi-partisan Committee on Referendum is in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, headed by Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, and others including Madang Governor, Jim Kas and Nuku MP, Joe Sungi.
Chief Momis told the committee, that the all-inclusive consultative approach must be performed according to the Bougainville Peace Agreement in a holistic manner, with very serious consideration.
Momis said that imposing ideas without respect to the people of Bougainville will contradict the ultimate growth and development.
The grievances expressed by President Momis come at a time when ABG is hit with financial resources, disagreements over the grants and the BCL shares.
Many Bougainville leaders expressed that such tactics by the National Government already draws many questions on the 2019 referendum.
However, Chief Momis says there must be trust in both governments to ensure the Bougainville Peace Agreement is fully implemented without any delay.
