By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Opposition Leader, Don Polye, claims the national government has failed to fully understand the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Polye says this has resulted in several requiremen’s of the Bougainville Peace Agreement not being fully honoured.
He has called on the national government to fill the gaps and build trust to ensure referendum results are achieved in a peaceful resolution.
Polye says that outstanding issues on funding for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have remained a challenge, which President, Chief John Momis, has been very vocal about.
The opposition leader also raised his concerns on matters concerning Bougainville’s fiscal situation.
One of the biggest concerns is budget appropriations, that have not been paid.
“The national government doesn’t show any interest that we see today. If it doesn’t show any interest in meeting part of its dedication to the commitment in the Bougainville Peace Agreement then young people will suffer, businesses will suffer and services will not be provided.
“The Autonomous Bougainville Government is not provided with funding it requires and it’s a sad scenario because it’s very difficult for the people to say that we will remain part of PNG,” Polye said.
The national government needs to build trust and move Bougainville to its destiny.
Polye said the Autonomous Bougainville Government must be seen as the legitimate government on ground, with funding directly sent without questions.
“There should be trust. The national government and Prime Minister’should trust President Momis, his executives, the Bougainville House of Representatives and their leadership.
“Funds should be sent without any delays, dispute, complains, excuses,” he said.
Polye says such actions are political setbacks to Bougainville’s quest of self-determination.
He has called on the Prime Minister, government ministers and parliamentarians to read the Bougainville Peace Agreement to understand the requiremen’s of parties involved.
