A community leader of Central Bougainville, Thomas Koronaru has called on the National Government of Papua New Guinea, to respect the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Koronaru, 85 years of age, and a paramount chief from Kieta, Central Bougainville is well versed with Bougainville’s history.
His comment comes as Autonomous Region of Bougainville commemorates 15 years, since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001.
As a peace advocate, he describes the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, as a miracle.
“The signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement is a miracle. Please respect it.”
Central Bougainville Women Representative in the Bougainville House of Representatives, Marceline Kokiai says the Bougainville Peace Agreement is all about good governance.
“Its all about forgiveness, saying sorry to one another,” she said.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed in Arawa on August 30, 2011, to end the bloody civil war on the island.
Since then, the National Government has been criticised for failing to honor this agreement in terms of the much talked about grants.
But have the pillars of Bougainville Peace Agreement that will determine its future political status been achieved?
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Chief John Momis is one of the few, who have always been vocal on this issue, which he claims is in breach of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
According to President Momis, the National Government owes Bougainville over K800 million in total revenue since 2005.
“It’s a requirement that the National Government has to pay what it owes to Bougainville.”
Chief Momis says the National Government was not faithful enough as a party to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Although little has been achieved, the Bougainville Peace Agreement is what will allow Bougainville its referendum.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement’s outcome will be mutually accepted if there is a good collaboration between parties signatory to this agreement.
