Category Government of Papua New Guinea

Aug 5 2015

Bougainville Referendum News: Bougainville: hard choices looming for Australia? (part I)

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“In Canberra the orthodox view remains that an independent Bougainville would complicate Australia’s strategic environment. It could destabilise both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, and would inevitably be a weak and possibly internally conflicted state requiring substantial external assistance for an extended period, with this cost being largely borne by Australia.

The counter-argument—that a peaceful separation of Bougainville from the rest of Papua New Guinea would settle once and for all what has been an issue for all of Papua New Guinea’s history as an independent country—is rarely heard.”

Author James Batley worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in AusAID, between 1984 and 2014 including postings in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji. He currently works as a Distinguished Policy Fellow in the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia program in the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU: Published The Strategist
Picture Above Arawa 2014: Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has taken a personal interest in Bougainville.

The 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) marked the formal end to the 1990s Bougainville conflict, even though a truce, and subsequently a ceasefire, had been in place since late 1997. Among other things, the BPA provided for a delayed referendum on Bougainville’s future relationship with Papua New Guinea. Under an agreed formula, the referendum will be held between June 2015 and June 2020.

There are now clear risks, however, that the BPA mightn’t last the distance. This post looks at where things are headed on Bougainville and, in particular, at some difficult choices the Australian Government may need to make in the coming period.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has taken a personal interest in Bougainville, having visited it both in opposition and in government. She’s been careful to avoid commenting on the independence question although there’s no reason to think that the Abbott Government’s approach will be different from that of its predecessors; it will have a strong preference for Bougainville to remain part of Papua New Guinea.

In Canberra the orthodox view remains that an independent Bougainville would complicate Australia’s strategic environment. It could destabilise both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, and would inevitably be a weak and possibly internally conflicted state requiring substantial external assistance for an extended period, with this cost being largely borne by Australia.

The counter-argument—that a peaceful separation of Bougainville from the rest of Papua New Guinea would settle once and for all what has been an issue for all of Papua New Guinea’s history as an independent country—is rarely heard.

For all that, Australia’s formal position on Bougainville’s independence is in fact one of neutrality. This position was first set out in March 2000 by then-Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. During the course of negotiations on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Downer announced that Australia would ‘accept any settlement negotiated by the parties’.

Downer never made any secret of the fact that Australia’s preference was for Bougainville to remain part of Papua New Guinea. Even so, his March 2000 announcement was seen—particularly on Bougainville—as a significant change in Australian government policy because it meant, in theory at least, that Australia was open to any negotiated outcome, including independence. Previously, during the course of the Bougainville crisis from 1988 onwards, Australia’s position had been that Bougainville was an integral part of Papua New Guinea; that position was part of the reason for strong anti-Australian sentiment among pro-independence leaders on Bougainville.

The perception of a significant policy change was reinforced by Downer’s role, later in 2000, in helping to broker the crucial ‘delayed referendum’ provisions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA). These provide for an independence referendum 10 to 15 years after the election of a Bougainville government (as it subsequently turned out, this means June 2015–June 2020), plus a requirement for the outcome to be ratified by the PNG Parliament. Downer argued that this outcome gave reassurance to both sides: for pro-independence Bougainvilleans a successful referendum, although non-binding, would have irresistible moral force among the international community; for the PNG government, at the same time, sovereignty would ultimately be preserved by giving the PNG Parliament the final say.

The BPA has a strong legal foundation. Its terms were enshrined in law through an amendment to the PNG Constitution (Article XIV). Furthermore, no amendments to that part of the Constitution can be passed unless also approved by a two-thirds majority in the Bougainville legislature. On the timing of the referendum, the language included in Article XIV is unequivocal:

The Referendum shall be held … not earlier than 10 years and, notwithstanding any other provision [emphasis added], not more than 15 years after the election of the first Bougainville Government.

Australia took as a given that PNG governments of any stripe would want Bougainville to remain part of Papua New Guinea—and that they would (and should) take advantage of the delay in the timing of the referendum to convince Bougainvilleans of the benefits of autonomy over independence.

Whatever Papua New Guinea’s efforts over the years since the BPA was signed, most informed observers would now take the view that majority Bougainvillean opinion remains firmly pro-independence, even if differences exist on the question of how ready Bougainville is for independence and therefore on the best timing for this.

Campaigning for the May 2015 elections in Bougainville was conducted explicitly on the grounds that the incoming government (which has a five year term) would be the one to negotiate the exact timing of the referendum. All presidential candidates, including the winner, John Momis, were pro-independence in outlook.

The PNG government hasn’t publicly walked away from the BPA; on the contrary, it continues to assert its commitment to it. The communiques from successive PNG–Australia Ministerial Forums continue to include routine (perhaps by now ritual) affirmations of the PNG government’s ‘ongoing commitment to the full implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement’.

It would be prudent at least to contemplate ways in which all this could go wrong. Papua New Guinea’s reaction to the May 2015 budget announcement that an Australian consulate would be established in Buka suggested that Australia had touched a raw nerve in Waigani, and gave a valuable insight into the importance and sensitivity of this issue for the O’Neill government. Certainly, the Port Moresby rumour mill increasingly suggests that Prime Minister O’Neill is giving serious thought as to how Papua New Guinea can preserve its interests in Bougainville in the long term.

Many on Bougainville fear that the PNG government will find a way to prevent the referendum from going ahead at all. So it’s at least possible that Bougainville and Waigani may be on a collision course. In a second post I will look at the implications of any such collision for Australian policy.

Jul 31 2015

PNG Prime Minister has announced a ban on all foreign advisers

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Papua New Guinea’s prime minister has announced a ban on all foreign advisers working for his government, saying they make local staff lazy, and they could be spying.

Liam Cochrane reporting for the ABC

The ban, which will take effect on January 1, 2016, will significantly affect the several hundred Australian advisers helping the government as part of a $500 million dollar aid program.

During a session of PNG’s parliament, prime minister Peter O’Neill was asked about the decline of his country’s national intelligence organisation and the possibility foreign advisers were spying on PNG.

Mr O’Neill said it was important to rebuild the nation’s spy agency.

“We need to revamp it, we need to fund it, work closely with many intelligence agencies around the world and we are working closely with some of the best today,” he said.

“They’ve already come in and they’ve already starting helping rebuilding capacity within the national intelligence organisation and at my invitation.”

Mr O’Neill then dropped a bombshell, clearly aimed at Australian advisers working in areas such as policing, law and justice, treasury, planning and health.

“We’ve got people working in many of our departments that are working as advisers and it has led to two things,” he said.

“One is making our own people quite lazy. They’re not able to take over civil decisions, they are over-dependent on consultants and advisers and sometimes many of those decisions are not … in the best interests of our nation.

“So our government has taken a deliberate decision that by the end of the year, all foreign consultants and advisers, their contracts will end by 31st of December.”

Mr O’Neill then took aim at one particular group of advisers — the 70-odd Australian Federal Police officers working to improve PNG’s law and order situation.

“If we need to recruit experts, it will be recruited by PNG government as an employee of the PNG government,” he said.

“That includes policemen, that includes all the other consultants in every line department.”

Australia is the dominant aid partner to PNG and the announcement of a ban comes at a time of tension between the two countries over the Manus Island detention centre and a diplomatic blunder regarding Bougainville.

‘PNG acting in frustration it does not control advisers’

Jenny Haywood-Jones, the Myer Foundation Melanesia program director at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, said she was surprised the collecting of intelligence could be connected to advisers.

“Of course governments in the region and in particular in Papua New Guinea know that people that are advisers answerable to the Australian Government are reporting back to the Australian Government but I wouldn’t regard that as intelligence or spying,” she said.

“I think perhaps it’s reacting to a little bit of suspicion or frustration that the PNG government doesn’t have control of all the people that work … essentially for the government or in delivering government services.”

Ms Haywood-Jones said a ban on Australian advisers would have a dramatic impact on the aid program throwing staff contracts and long-term development into chaos.

The announcement appeared to take Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by surprise.

In a written statement to the ABC, a spokeswoman said just this: “We are aware of the prime minister’s comments. We will be discussing this with the government of Papua New Guinea.”

Jul 27 2015

Bougainville Independence Referendum 2019: What are the risks and challenges -Report

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“We are the indigenous people of our motherland Bougainville. We alone have to decide our future, our destiny. No outsider can decide for us.”

John Momis, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, 20132

The ABG President, Hon Dr. Chief John Momis has nominated 2019 as the year for the referendum vote to be conducted, but this is yet to be agreed upon by the PNG Prime Minister and his cabinet

A vigorous awareness campaign on the issue of referendum is a must do exercise by the Autonomous Bougainville Government if the people are to be well informed of the issues that confronts them in regards to referendum and independence according to the Chairman of the Referendum, Peace and Reconciliation Committee and Member for Selau Constituency, Hon Joseph Watawi echoed this during his recent address to people of Hagogohe.

Recently Canberra published a paper on the Bougainville independence Referendum

DOWNLOAD COPY HERE Woodbury paper (IPSD version)

This paper analyses some of the key political and strategic dynamics of Bougainville’s promised referendum, due to be held between 2015 and 2020. It identifies a number of significant risks, primarily located in the period before and after the vote. These are connected to likely frustrations should legal impediments be raised to the holding of the referendum, issues related to the resumption of mining and the role of spoilers, and differing expectations between the PNG Government and Bougainvilleans over the outcome and how it will be implemented.

The paper argues that much can and should be done between now and the referendum to help mitigate these challenges, requiring pro-active support from key states in the region.

Between 2015 and 2020, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is scheduled to hold a referendum on its future political status—that is, whether it should remain part of the southwest Pacific state of Papua New Guinea (PNG) or progress to full independence. The path to Bougainville’s referendum has been long, complex and costly.3 Bougainville’s secessionist movement has evolved over many decades but the complications caused by a lucrative but environmentally–destructive mine, a civil war which killed thousands of people, and a national government reluctant to set precedents for other provinces, has ensured the question of Bougainville’s political status has remained a difficult and divisive issue.

The ‘Bougainville Peace Agreement’, signed in 2001, guaranteed Bougainvilleans a referendum which would include the option of independence, following a prescribed period of autonomous government.4 It is yet to be determined, however, whether the referendum proves to be the final resolution to Bougainville’s struggles or whether it has simply facilitated a temporary lull in hostilities.

This paper will analyse some of the key political and strategic dynamics of Bougainville’s promised referendum. It will identify foreseeable risks and challenges that may be encountered during the preparation, conduct and aftermath of the vote.

The paper is set out in four main parts, followed by a conclusion. The first part provides an overview of Bougainville, the crisis, key provisions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and the significance of the referendum. The second part analyses factors that could affect Bougainville during the pre–referendum period. This includes issues associated with achieving the pre–conditions for the plebiscite—namely, disarmament and good governance—and problems associated with expediting the resumption of mining to boost fiscal self–sufficiency.

The third part focuses on the referendum period itself. It discusses what is required for a ‘free and fair’ election, flags the potential for ‘spoilers’, and the need for appropriate security arrangements.5 The fourth part covers the post–referendum period, focusing on the critical first 12 months following the vote. This is when the durability of the outcome will be tested and when unmet expectations by various parties over the referendum’s result, as well as what it means and how it should be implemented, could have serious consequences.

Finally, the conclusion to this paper will summarise its key findings, consider various perceptions of Bougainville’s preparedness for potential independence,

But, Chairman Watawi appealed to the people not to be frightened or scared of voting for independence saying there are many good things on offer when we gain independence.

The exact date and timing for the conduct of referendum would be further discussed by the two governments in their future JSB meetings.

Jun 25 2015

Bougainville Education News : Australia provides books for Torokina schools

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Australia has provided 5000 books for primary schools in the remote Torokina District in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to help improve literacy in the area.

The books were delivered to the libraries of 12 schools in the district, including Torokina, Kawai, Atsinima and Tsitovi Primary Schools.

The assistance from Australia’s Direct Aid Program responds to a request from the Torokina District for school resources.

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Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, said: “I am delighted to partner with the district administration to provide these resources for hard working teachers to help improve literacy,” Ms Stokes said.

Primary Schools Standards Officer Luke Pamsi said: “These library books are a much needed resource. They will definitely improve literacy levels in primary schools, creating a good foundation for further studies.”

The books were purchased from Buk Bilong Pikinini, a charity which works to establish children’s libraries in PNG and foster a love of reading and learning.

Improving access to and the quality of basic education is a focus of Australia’s development partnership with PNG. Australia is assisting the PNG Government to build more than 1000 classrooms in rural and remote areas across PNG, including in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

DONATIONS

You can support Buk bilong Pikinini Here

Or Bougainville based

You can support the Bougainville Education Revolution by donating HERE

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Bookgainville Project on Bougainville PNG

 

Jun 17 2015

Bougainville PNG News:Bougainville demands PNG pay up $US143 million

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The re-elected President of Bougainville, John Momis, says the Papua New Guinea government owes the region more than $US143 million dollars in development grants.

Mr Momis, who was inaugurated on Monday after last month’s election, says the money is due under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Read his full speech here

Radio NZ is quoting our New Dawn website reports Mr Momis as saying he wants to meet with the national government as soon as possible to settle this issue.

By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS says that the National Government owes Bougainville over FOUR HUNDRED MILLION KINA in errors for Development Grants as stipulated under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Speaking at the Inauguration ceremony, DR. MOMIS said that he would like to meet with the National Government as soon as possible to settle this issue.

DR. MOMIS said that since 2011, the National Government has been giving ONE HUNDRED MILLION KINA annually but these are tied grants which the ABG has no power to spend according to its priorities.

He said if the Development Grants are paid then the ABG would be in a better position to implement its plans to fast tract development programs on Bougainville.

DR. MOMIS said that the ABG in the next five years will try to move into fast-tracking economic activities to raise its internal revenue base which has now reached 30 MILLION KINA.

He says since 2011 Port Moresby has been giving Bougainville about $US36 million dollars a year but he says these are tied grants which the ABG has no power to spend according to its priorities.

He said once the development grants are paid the ABG would be in a better position to implement its plans to fast track development programmes on Bougainville.

Mr Momis says over the next five years the ABG will try to fast-track economic activities to raise its internal revenue base.

At the moment that base is just under $US11 million dollars.

Jun 16 2015

Bougainville Elections 2015: Simon Pentanu new ABG speaker full acceptance speech

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“Just as you feel politically responsible in serving your constituency, as Speaker my role and responsibility is to equip and serve you to perform your principle roles as legislators and decision makers in your role as service providers. In other words, our primary interest is the same and that is to serve our people.

As Members of the House this can be best done in four main ways.

One, by strengthening the institution of Parliament. This will take all of us from the President down to the Members to first recognise that in the system of democracy and governance we have chosen the Parliament is the epitome of our democracy as provided for in the Constitution. The Parliament as a body comprising the Peoples representatives is the highest accountable as well oversight body of people domiciled and functioning in a single place. We need to appreciate and add value to this.”

Simon Pentanu Speaker, Autonomous Bougainville Government 2015-2020

See full speech below or Download a copy here

 Acceptance and acknowledgment by Speaker Simon Pentanu AROB 2015

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has a new speaker.

He is former Ombudsman Commissioner and former National Parliament clerk, Simon Pentanu.

Mr Pentanu, from Pokpok Island in Central Bougainville, was voted in by the members of the 3rd ABG house after the swearing in of the new member’s yesterday (Monday) morning at the parliament chamber.

A speaker of the parliament is voted in by the members and must be from outside of parliament whereas the deputy speaker must be a member of the House.

Only two candidates were nominated by the parliament members and Mr Pentanu was nominated by parliament members from the Central regional committee while Andrew Miriki, former ABG parliament speaker, was nominated by the South regional committee.

A secret ballot voting was conducted by the 40 members of the house and Mr Pentanu was declared the Speaker after surpassing the absolute majority of 20+1, scoring 23 votes while Mr Miriki scored only 17 votes.

Mr Pentanu thanked the former speaker and the members for making the decision to elect him as the new speaker and said he does not represent any constituency but represents the members who represent the people.

“The parliament is my constituency and my role a responsibility is to serve you the members in decision making and the parliament is a highest body for the people and is an institution to uphold democracy, laws and tradition of the people…,” he said.

After taking his seat front of the chamber Mr Pentanu then proceeded to conduct the secret ballot voting for the deputy speaker that was won by Francisca Semoso, who is the North Bougainville Women’s member, against Christopher Kenna, who is member for Lato constituency in South Bougainville with 28 votes to 12.

ACCEPTANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Simon Gregory Pentanu

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Kubu

15 June 2015

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Honourable Members,

I am going to break from convention and tradition that new Speakers often follow to script when they are elected to assume the Speaker’s Chair as I am doing today.

To start with let me begin, on your behalf and on my own behalf, by acknowledging and paying respect to all the local clans on Buka, the traditional custodians of this Island – especially  here in Tsitalato constituency – where we are meeting today and where this House, the highest decision making body, is situated at this time.

In saying this I thank all Members, including the President, for exercising your individual choices to arrive at a collective decision in appointing me to assume the role of Speaker. What we just witnessed with the Clerk chairing the first business of the House was a very democratic process in which the Speaker was elected through a secret ballot.

In thanking you and acknowledging your decision I wish to say what is important to recognise is, regardless of how or where a Member voted in making their decision during the ballot, the appointment of the  Speaker is the choice of the House.

As Speaker my allegiance is to the House and to all Members irrespective of what region, constituencies, special interest or gender you represent.

I may be from Central Bougainville, I may have been nominated by the Central regional committee. Yes, making a choice to reflect a fair regional representation is important in fostering the spirit of unity. Yes, unity of purpose and united approach has been the hallmark of peace building and reconciliation efforts all along in getting to where we are today. We all well know this. And yes, we should also remind ourselves on occasions like today the Bougainville Constitutional Commission gave a lot of thought, consideration and credence to a fair and equitable representation in the spoils of office during its arduous task in drafting  the Bougainville Constitution.

I feel humbled and honoured and at the same time proud to be the one saying this. On the other hand, or should I say by the same token, I would also rather like to think – and I am sure many honourable Members  also share this view – that any Bougainvillean that is appointed by the House as its Speaker is done largely on the candidate’s merits.

The Speaker does not represent a geographical or electoral constituency. But it is important to point out that he or she is appointed by the people through their representatives in this House.

In a very real way then, the Parliament is my constituency. The Members are my constituents.

Just as you feel politically responsible in serving your constituency, as Speaker my role and responsibility is to equip and serve you to perform your principle roles as legislators and decision makers in your role as service providers. In other words, our primary interest is the same and that is to serve our people.

As Members of the House this can be best done in four main ways.

One, by strengthening the institution of Parliament. This will take all of us from the President down to the Members to first recognise that in the system of democracy and governance we have chosen the Parliament is the epitome of our democracy as provided for in the Constitution. The Parliament as a body comprising the Peoples representatives is the highest accountable as well oversight body of people domiciled and functioning in a single place. We need to appreciate and add value to this.

Two, the Parliament is an institution that will best function and deliver the values that we aspire to in our democracy only when its constituent parts are well resourced, well served and well articulated and assisted to perform your political roles. This includes meaningful participation in decision-making in Parliament through debates, through parliamentary committees which are an extension of the Parliament and through your direct engagement with the people.

Three, in building and strengthening the Parliament through you as members, the Speaker’s role in the Bougainville Parliament is not one of just a Presiding Officer or Chairman of meetings of the House. I will call on all my previous experience as a parliamentary officer and Clerk of a the Parliament of a successful sovereign nation, an experience that extends over 25 years.  With this experience and background I am confident this places in a position to ensure that the management and administration of the parliamentary service is above board and that everything we do is transparent.

Four, it is important there are close and meaningful consultations with the Speaker and the Clerk with the Executive in planning and appropriating sufficient resources to allow better and more proactive roles by members in serving their constituents and in maintaining an effective and efficient functioning Parliament.

Might I also add that the House as well as the Executive needs to start paying more attention to the Members representing Women and Former Combatants who have been elected to their respective reserved seats. The Bougainville Constitutional Commission was very deliberate in including this provision of reserved seats in the Parliament. The Parliament and the Government must give practical effect to enhance the participatory and decision-making roles that women continue to play and that former combatants can bring to bear in resolving and bringing to closure many issues that remain to be addressed and attended to.

Honourable Members,

Today, June 15 2015 marks the third anniversary of ABG. How and where we start in performing our roles in this Third House of Representatives will determine how much we improve and achieve at the end of the next 5 year term starting today.

Let me take this opportunity to thank my immediate predecessor, former Speaker Hon Andrew Miriki for his services in providing leadership in this role in the last two Houses. It is a service to duty to the Parliament and to the People that is worth mentioning and putting on record. I have followed Speaker Miriki and he can be well proud of his leadership and chairmanship that saw the passage of a number important legislations which are further steps towards implementing both  political and financial autonomy. This includes the passage through Parliament of the various stages of the mining legislation.

Similarly, I wish to put on record our thanks and appreciation to the pioneer Speaker of the House Mr Nick Peniai. Mr Peniai who took on the task as first Speaker of the first House with great optimism and enthusiasm. I can say this because after assuming office he sought advice and consulted with a number of us quite extensively. The most important achievement during Speaker Peniai’s tenure was the admission of the Bougainville House of Representatives as a full member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Honourable Members,

As Speaker, I give you my assurance that as head of the legislative arm and as Presiding Officer I will perform to the best of my ability in upholding and protecting the values of this institution.

In saying so, I  also stress my conviction that this is only possible if we all work together. I will be a working Speaker. However, I must repeat that we can only achieve any goals and objectives by working for each other but more importantly by working with each other.

We will do this with decorum, integrity, dignity, transparency, accountability, honesty and hopefully with an acute sense of purpose. While the Speaker is expected to maintain independence in office this independence should not be confused with isolation. I will keep my lines of communication open to allow for meaningful consultations and discussions with all Members.

Finally, I congratulate the President, members elected to the open constituencies, members elected to the reserved seats for women and former combatants for winning your respective seats. Among us today we have for the first time a woman who has won her seat in an open constituency seat.

I thank you all for placing your trust and confidence in appointing me as Speaker for this third House of Representatives  2015 – 2020.

May God bless this House and bless all of us to be worthy servants of and for our people.

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Jun 14 2015

Bougainville Inauguration Day 2005-2015 : United Nation original report

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Today marks the 10th anniversary of inauguration of Autonomous Bougainville Government and the swearing in of  3rd House of Representatives.

It is also the 800 th Anniversary of the Magna Carta ” the Charter of Liberties

Todays program in Buka

New Microsoft Word Document

At the United Nations 10 years ago

UN

HeDanilo Türk, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council this that 62 per cent of the electorate had convincingly selected Joseph Kabui, former President of the Bougainville People’s Congress, whose approach recognized human rights and focused on meeting the basic needs of the people at the grass-roots level. 

There now remained the third main pillar of the peace agreements –- the holding of a referendum on Bougainville’s future status.  Included in the referendum would be a choice of separate independence, and the final decision on that outcome would be left to Papua New Guinea’s Parliament and subsequent consultations with the Autonomous Bougainville Government

5222nd Meeting (AM) 2005

FOLLOWING 15 JUNE INAUGURATION OF BOUGAINVILLE’S AUTONOMOUS GOVERNMENT,

UNITED NATIONS MANDATE FULLY IMPLEMENTED, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD

Assistant Secretary-General Briefs on Successful Elections;

Culmination of Peace Process Begun in 1997 after Brutal Civil Conflict

The mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Papua New Guinea had been implemented fully and the parties had taken the most significant step in the Bougainville peace agreement, Danilo Türk, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council this morning.

Providing an update on developments since 7 April, when the Council last heard a briefing on the situation in Bougainville, he said that, following the establishment of the Autonomous Government –- inaugurated on 15 June — that entity and the Government of Papua New Guinea would deal with matters relating to implementation of the peace agreement and the national constitution through already established procedures.  Mechanisms were also in place to deal with any disagreements that might emerge.  While it was up to Bougainville’s Autonomous Government to plan its priorities, the two Governments intended to work together in addressing future challenges.

Regarding weapons disposal, he said the parties had been informed in May that the weapons disposal agreement had been implemented with the destruction of more than 2,000 arms.  The United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB) had determined that a substantial level of compliance had been achieved by the parties and that, consequently, the security situation on the ground was conducive to the holding of elections as planned from May through June.  The Papua New Guinea Government, in concurrence with the Bougainville leaders, had asked the United Nations to coordinate the work of the international electoral observers, and the United Nations election coordination unit had been set up in response.  It had provided extensive briefings to electoral observers prior to their deployment in Bougainville and, in close cooperation with the Mission, it had also facilitated the movement by helicopter of observers to most of the constituencies throughout Bougainville.

In addition, the United Nations had also supported the airlifting of polling boxes, electoral officers and observers, thereby ensuring the timely and orderly conduct of the elections, he said.  International observers from Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand and elsewhere, as well as representatives of the Commonwealth and Pacific Islands Forum secretariats, had participated.  Despite some minor reported incidents, all eligible voters had been given the opportunity to vote in a calm and peaceful environment, and the outcome had reflected accurately the will of the people of Bougainville.

He said that 62 per cent of the electorate had convincingly selected Joseph Kabui, former President of the Bougainville People’s Congress, whose approach recognized human rights and focused on meeting the basic needs of the people at the grass-roots level.  There now remained the third main pillar of the peace agreements –- the holding of a referendum on Bougainville’s future status.  Included in the referendum would be a choice of separate independence, and the final decision on that outcome would be left to Papua New Guinea’s Parliament and subsequent consultations with the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

The war in Bougainville had been little noticed, but brutal, he said, noting that some 15,000 people had lost their lives between the 1980s and 1990s.  The conflict had started over the use of natural resources, but had developed features seen in conflicts in many parts of the world, including a mixture of military and criminal objectives and the suffering of innocent people.  The peace process had begun in 1997, and the peace agreement of 2001 finally offered an opportunity for healing.

Also addressing the Council, the representative of Papua New Guinea said that practical peacebuilding in Bougainville was obviously not yet complete, pointing out that peace and good governance required ongoing attention and effort, if they were to be part of the legacy to succeeding generations.  Papua New Guinea was pleased to note the continuing presence of United Nations personnel on the ground, which helped to remove any doubt or uncertainty about whether the international community was still concerned and would continue to be involved after the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB) had completed its mandate.  It was for that reason that the appropriate bodies should consider retaining the Mission’s existing assets in Bougainville, and handing them on to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other arms of the Organization that would continue to operate in Bougainville.

New Zealand’s representative expressed deep appreciation for the work of UNOMB, saying that even by United Nations standards Bougainville had been a difficult operating environment due to its remoteness.  Nevertheless, the United Nations had succeeded in establishing a light and responsive presence, which had usefully complemented regional initiatives, including the New Zealand-led Truce Monitoring Group and its successor, the Australian-led Peace Monitoring Group.  The United Nations Mission had been a good example of a successful, demand-driven United Nations action in the field, and New Zealand was particularly grateful for the contributions of United Nations staff both from the Department of Political Affairs and those who had served in Bougainville itself.

Australia’s representative said that the continuous presence of the United Nations in Bougainville for more than seven years had been an important source of reassurance and support.  Australia had been pleased to have worked alongside the United Nations and regional partners, and remained strongly committed to efforts to ensure lasting peace and development in Bougainville, including by working with the agencies and programmes of the United Nations.

Before adjourning the meeting, Adamantios Th. Vassilakis (Greece), Council President for the month of July, expressed members’ thanks and appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Türk for his cooperation with them and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

Other speakers included the representatives of Japan, Brazil, Philippines, Russian Federation, China, United Republic of Tanzania, Romania, Argentina, United States, France, United Kingdom, Algeria, Denmark, Benin and Greece.

The meeting began at 10:20 a.m. and ended at 12 noon.

Background

The Security Council met this morning to consider the situation in Bougainville, for which it was expected to hear a briefing by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Danilo Türk.

Briefing Summary

DANILO TÜRK, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, updated the Council on developments since the last briefing on the situation on 7 April.  He was pleased to report on behalf of the Secretary-General that the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Papua New Guinea had been “fully implemented” and the parties had taken the most significant step in the Bougainville peace agreement.  He proceeded to summarize the main developments since 7 April and he highlighted the challenges facing the Autonomous Bougainville Government, which had been inaugurated on 15 June.

Turning to weapons disposal, he said that the parties had been informed in May that the weapons disposal agreement had been implemented with the destruction of more than 2,000 arms.  The Observer Mission had determined that a substantial level of compliance by the parties had been achieved and that, consequently, the security situation on the ground was conducive to the holding of elections as planned.  Concerning the elections, the national Government of Papua New Guinea, in concurrence with the Bougainville leaders, had asked the United Nations to coordinate the work of the international electoral observers.  The United Nations election coordination unit was set up in response. It provided extensive briefings to electoral observers prior to their deployment in Bougainville, and, in close cooperation with the United Nations Mission, it facilitated the movement by helicopter the observers to most of the constituencies throughout Bougainville.

In addition, he explained that the United Nations had also supported the airlifting of polling boxes, electoral officers and observers, thereby ensuring the elections’ timely and orderly conduct.  International observers from Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand and elsewhere, as well as representatives of the Commonwealth and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariats, had participated.  Despite some minor reported incidents, all eligible voters had been given the opportunity to vote in a calm and peaceful environment, and the outcome had accurately reflected the will of the people of Bougainville.  Sixty-two per cent of the whole electorate had convincingly selected the former President of the Bougainville People’s Congress, whose approach recognized human rights and focused on meeting the basic needs of the people at the grass-roots level.

On 14 June, the parties to the peace agreements convened a final meeting of the peace process consultative committee, which resolved that its objectives under the agreements had been achieved, he noted.  They agreed to dissolve the committee and, in so doing, had expressed sincere appreciation for the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB).  Following the establishment of the Autonomous Government, relations would now be managed through the permanent joint supervisory body.  With that, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Papua New Guinea national Government would deal with matters related to implementation of the peace agreement and the national constitution through already established procedures.  Mechanisms were also in place to deal with any disagreements that might emerge.  While it was up to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to plan its priorities, the Governments intended to work together to address future challenges.

He said that, following completion of the weapons disposal and the current implementation of the autonomous arrangements, there remained the third main pillar of the peace agreements –- the holding of a referendum on Bougainville’s status in another 10 to 15 years.  Included in the referendum would be a choice of separate independence for Bougainville.  The final decision on the outcome would be left to Papua New Guinea’s Parliament and subsequent consultations with the Bougainville Government.  Mr. Türk also detailed the involvement of the wider United Nations system in the peacebuilding tasks, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The war in Bougainville had been little noticed, but brutal, he said.  Some 15,000 people had lost their lives in the conflict of the 1980s and 1990s.  The conflict had started over the use of natural resources, but it developed features seen in conflicts in many parts of the world, including a mixture of military and criminal objectives and the suffering of innocent people.  The peace process began in 1997, and the peace agreement of 2001 finally offered an opportunity for healing.  Reconciliation and restorative justice had been essential.  For the United Nations, that process had been a learning experience and one which taught a great deal about post-conflict peacebuilding and the need to fully respect and incorporate local culture and traditions.  The classical approach had been “breaking spears and mending hearts”, but now the United Nations system had developed additional elements.  The foundations established so far gave reason to believe that the United Nations system, with the support of donor countries, would again be able to help.

Statements

KENZO OSHIMA (Japan) stressed that it had been through the efforts of the people of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea that a satisfactory outcome had been achieved.  The Government of Japan paid tribute to them for their accomplishments and expressed its best wishes to the President and other elected officials, as they began to undertake future efforts for sustainable peace and the region’s economic development.  Japan had been part of international and regional assistance in the form of a dispatch of monitors and the provision of necessary equipment through grant aid.

While the successful outcome of the elections marked a turning point in the peace process there, challenges remained, he said.  First and foremost, the strengthening of law and order in the region was a top priority.  Even after the inauguration of the Autonomous Government, the security situation continued to be fragile.  If law and order were to be firmly established, international cooperation was required, such as for the improvement of the police force and the retrieval of uncollected weapons in the “No-Go Zone”.

Second, sustained economic development of Bougainville was critically important for the region, he stressed.  The continued commitment of assistance by the international community would be required until such time that the economy became more self-sufficient.  And such support should come not only from within the region, but also from the broader range of countries.  Japan, through close consultation with the Papua New Guinea Government, would remain committed to continued support and economic and technical cooperation in areas where the needs were greatest, such as infrastructure, education and health.

Third, the promotion of reconciliation with those remaining in the No-Go Zone was equally important, he said.  For the stability of Bougainville to be sustained, all the people in the region should employ the benefits of peace, and participation in the Autonomous Government should be inclusive.  To that end, the Mekamui should respect the results of the elections and actively cooperate with the Government for the economic development of their region.

HENRIQUE VALLE (Brazil), joining previous speakers in welcoming the first general elections and wishing the best to the new elected authorities, said that winning the peace was quite often more difficult and challenging than winning a conflict.  In the case of Bougainville, there were neither winners nor losers.  The Autonomous Bougainville Government to be led by President Joseph Kabui inaugurated a new phase in the implementation of the peace agreement.  Brazil recognized the essential role played by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville leaders to solve their differences in a consistent and mutually acceptable manner.

He urged all those who had freely chosen not to participate in the electoral process to respect the outcome of the free and fair elections and invited all Bougainvilleans to join efforts to support the new elected Government in its peacebuilding initiatives.  He also paid special tribute to other international partners to a peaceful resolution to the unfortunately bloody conflict, namely, the Commonwealth and the countries of the region, including members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

As recognized in the presidential statement adopted by the Security Council on 15 June, he said, the experiences of the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) and the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB) constituted quite successful examples of how the constitution of United Nations political missions, although extremely small, but with clear mandates and benefiting from the acceptance of the local political actors, could provide an invaluable contribution to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts, in an efficient and effective manner.  Brazil called upon the international financial institutions, the donor community and the United Nations specialized agencies to assist the local actors and the Government of Papua New Guinea in the pursuit of their economic and social development goals, which were essential for a sustainable peace in the region.

LAURO L. BAJA (Philippines) said that Bougainville was an example of the key role played by the United Nations in encouraging and implementing the peace agreement forged by the conflicting parties.  It had not been an easy road.  From the time the United Nations was requested by the Government of Papua New Guinea to play a role in the peace process and the United Nations established the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) in August 1998, the United Nations had been at the forefront of the peace and reconciliation process, acting as mediator to the parties to the conflict.  It had supervised the weapons disposal programme, thereby contributing significantly to the stabilization of the security situation.  That, in turn, had provided the climate conductive for the elections.

He noted that the United Nations had also contributed to the political aspect of the peace process by overseeing implementation of the constitutional process leading to the adoption of the Constitution of the Autonomous Government and elections preparations.  The two successive United Nations missions, though small, had clearly demonstrated the critical contribution that a United Nations special political mission with a clear mandate could make to a regional conflict resolution.  He commended the people of Bougainville and the Autonomous Bougainville Government for the successful conduct of the first general elections for President and House of Representatives, held from 20 May to 9 June.  That had indeed been a milestone in the peace process and opened a new stage for further implementation of the peace agreement.

ANDREY DENISOV (Russian Federation) welcomed the efforts of the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainvillean leaders for the timely implementation of their obligations.  The Russian Federation also congratulated UNOMB and its predecessor, UNPOB, for their efforts.

He said the Autonomous Government needed assistance in providing long-term capacity-building, and it was to be hoped that the relevant specialized United Nations agencies, as well as other regional and international bodies, would help in that regard.  The Russian Federation also offered best wishes for the future to Assistant Secretary-General Türk, who would be ending his tenure as Assistant Secretary-General.

ZHANG YISHAN (China) said he was pleased to note that over the last month the general elections of the President and the Autonomous Government and House of Representatives had been held successfully and the elected leaders and representatives had been sworn in smoothly.  He congratulated the Autonomous Government and the people of Bougainville and expressed his appreciation for the unremitting efforts of the Government of Papua New Guinea to implement the peace agreement.  Today’s meeting was the last in the Council to deliberate on the issue of Bougainville.  He congratulated the Council for having successfully concluded its mission in the Bougainville peace process.  He also congratulated the two United Nations missions, which, over the years, had done a great job, including by establishing credibility and trust among the parties to the peace process.

He said that those missions had also represented a model for small United Nations missions in handling regional conflicts.  It had brought credit to the United Nations and shown a useful light on how to improve peacebuilding efforts in the year of reform.  In the new historical phase, reconstruction would not be easy, given the challenging tasks facing the Autonomous Government.  He sincerely hoped that the Government would live up to the expectations of its people and remain committed to political reconciliation and economic development.  He urged the different political forces in Bougainville to respect the choices of the people and support the Autonomous Government in its work.  He also called on the international community to remain interested in helping Bougainville to upgrade its governance and effectively improve the lives of its people.

AUGUSTINE MAHIGA (United Republic of Tanzania) congratulated Joseph Kabui and the newly elected members of the Bougainville House of Representatives on their success in the elections, as well as the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for their understanding and cooperation that had enabled the elections for the presidency and the Bougainville legislature to proceed competently, transparently and peacefully, as certified by the international observer mission.

He expressed the hope that the newly inaugurated Bougainville Government would honour the commitments made during the elections to find ways to keep other leaders, including competing candidates, actively involved in contributing to the country’s common aspirations.  In the same spirit, the new leadership should seek to form an inclusive government, drawing on the experience, commitment and abilities of other leaders.

Bougainville faced many future challenges, including the need to develop an administrative capacity and an economy capable of sustaining autonomy by providing the people with the opportunities for self-advancement and wider community prosperity.  As the Autonomous Government took office, it was to be hoped that it would maintain close cooperation and understanding with the National Government to ensure that the agreed arrangements for Bougainville autonomy operated efficiently for their mutual interest and accommodation.

MIHNEA IOAN MOTOC (Romania) concurred that the successful elections and establishment of the new Autonomous Government allowed for a natural ending of the United Nations mission and the effective discharge of its mandate.  He emphasized the need for ongoing international assistance at a meaningful level, including by United Nations agencies and programmes.  Aid was still necessary for the rehabilitation and capacity-building efforts of the Bougainville authorities, with a view to consolidating the progress achieved so far.

He expressed his appreciation for all the efforts undertaken by the Government of Papua New Guinea, as well as the Bougainville parties, in the peace process.  He also commended the role played by the countries of the region, as well as by the United Nations’ specialized agencies and the international donors, in supporting the peace process and turning Bougainville into a success story.  Bougainville set a positive example for the possibility of success of United Nations peacekeeping missions at a time when the international community was debating the United Nations reform process, aiming to improve its effectiveness and relevance for protecting freedom and improving lives.

CESAR MAYORAL (Argentina) said that the latest developments in Bougainville were significant landmarks in the peace process and allowed the international community to move forward with the implementation of sustainable development.  Argentina was grateful to countries of the region, as well as the donor community, for their important contributions.  While the present stage of United Nations participation had been successfully concluded, Bougainville must now embark on a new phase of consolidation.  The recent results achieved had added considerably to the past investment made by the international community.  The people of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea should now embark on the task of consolidating the peace, as well as on economic and social development.

GERALD SCOTT (United States) said that the inauguration of the first Autonomous Government in Bougainville marked a milestone, after a decade of conflict.  The international electoral monitoring team had reported no significant violence or intimidation during the elections of 31 May, despite the absence of foreign police or military support.  To the credit of the people of Bougainville, the elections came off without undue disruption or fraud.  The successful inauguration of the new Government was one of the last steps in the peace process.  He congratulated the President-elect and members of the House of Representatives and wished them success in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Bougainville.

He called on the elected representatives to respect the democratic outcome of the elections and to cooperate constructively with the legitimate new Government for a peaceful and prosperous future.  At the same time, he commended the Government of Papua New Guinea for its commitment to the peace agreement’s full implementation.  That would not have been possible without the support of the international community, especially the PacificIsland countries and Forum, as well as the Security Council’s engagement.  The United Nations Political Office in Bougainville and its successor had also played key roles, deserving of the Council’s special thanks.  Hopefully, years of hard work and conflict resolution would yield lasting peace in Bougainville.

JEAN-MARC DE LA SABLIÈRE (France) commended the holding of the first elections in Bougainville, which were an expression of the will of its people, marking a historical turning point.  France appreciated the contributions of countries of the region to the peace process, as well as the efforts of UNOMB, whose mandate had expired on 30 June.  At the present stage, there was a need to ensure that there was good coordination between the efforts of United Nations specialized agencies, as well as international and regional players who would play an important role in peacebuilding and in promoting consolidation.

ROSMARY DAVIS (United Kingdom) said that the successor mission in Bougainville had been one of the smallest, but also one of the most successful.  She also recognized the central role played by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville parties, as well as that of neighbouring States and the Bougainville people, culminating in last month’s elections.  While those had signalled the end of the political role of the United Nations in Bougainville, there remained a sizeable role for the international community in consolidating the gains and helping the Autonomous Government and people face up to the future challenges.

She said she looked forward to the sustained engagement and support of the United Nations system, neighbouring States and the donor community. Reconstruction and development should now be given a high priority.  She also welcomed the President’s commitment to tackle the growing problem of HIV/AIDS, which, if not contained, had the ability to undermine Bougainville’s prosperity.

MOURAD BENMEHIDI (Algeria) said that, since the signing of the peace agreement, the peace process had undergone considerable success.  He welcomed the holding of the elections last month and the selection of President and members of the House of Representatives.  He paid particular tribute to the political will and constructive attitude of the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville leaders.  It was now important for peace and stability to take hold and be maintained.  He supported international efforts, particularly the important contributions of the countries of the region, the donor partners, and the United Nations system.  He asked them to continue to assist post-conflict reconstruction.  The international community must pursue its efforts to assist the people and Government of Bougainville to improve economic development and ensure stability.  He congratulated all for the successful implementation of the peace agreement.

ELLEN MARGRETHE LØJ (Denmark) said her country was encouraged by the latest developments in the political process.  The swearing in of the new Autonomous Government marked another milestone for the Bougainville peace process, and Denmark encouraged the new Government to continue on its way back towards peace and the rule of law.  In addition, Denmark commended the constructive role played by Papua New Guinea.

She said Bougainville’s success would not be complete until its social and economic development was on the right track.  Assistance was irreplaceable and would be a prerequisite for further progress.  Without commitment, regional cooperation and the involvement of the United Nations, peace and development could not prevail.

JEAN-FRANCIS RÉGIS ZINSOU (Benin) said the United Nations had just made a clear and undisputed success with the steps taken to ensure ongoing mediation and in extracting a new and trusting relationship between the parties involved in the Bougainville peace process.  Each phase had been marked by genuine challenges, and the process had succeeded because those challenges had been met, under the watchful eye of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and UNOMB.

He thanked the donors who had met their obligations, adding that the United Nations needed to draw lessons from the Bougainville peace process.  However, the completion of the peace process had not met all the challenges, as the parties needed to ensure the viability of the new Autonomous Government and strengthen the regional autonomy regime so as to reduce its heavy dependence on subsidies from the central Government.  Benin was confident that the new Government would best manage its relationship with those in the No-Go Zone, so that the collection of arms still in circulation there could be completed.

ADAMANTIOS TH. VASSILAKIS (Greece), in his national capacity, thanked Mr. Türk for his final briefing on the work of UNOMB.  Today’s meeting was intended to officially celebrate the successful completion of the Mission’s mandate on 30 June.  He joined other speakers in paying tribute to its vital contribution to consolidating peace and democratic governance in the province.  The road to peace and democracy had been long for the people of Bougainville.  In their journey, however, they had had a most faithful and reliable ally:  UNOMB, which had effectively chaired the peace process consultative committee, facilitated dialogue between the rival parties, and contributed to the successful conclusion of the weapons disposal plan and the destruction of some 2,000 weapons.  He commended the members of UNOMB on their dedication to the cause of peace and their overall work, and wished the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea a prosperous and peaceful future.

ROSEMARY BANKS (New Zealand) said that since the signing of the Bougainville peace process in 1997, her country had welcomed the steps forward and urged the parties to address issues where progress had lagged.  New Zealand had, on several occasions, encouraged Security Council members to approve extensions to the small United Nations political mission in Bougainville that had been on the ground since 1998.  It was with pleasure, therefore, that New Zealand marked the end of the work of UNOMB.  The successful and peaceful conduct of the elections meant that UNOMB could exit having discharged its mandate fully.  Past and present members of the Security Council could feel vindicated that their decision to extend that mandate had indeed been the right one.

She expressed deep appreciation for the work of UNOMB, saying that even by United Nations standards Bougainville had been a difficult operating environment due to its remoteness.  Nevertheless, the United Nations had succeeded in establishing a light and responsive presence, which had usefully complemented regional initiatives, including the New Zealand-led Truce Monitoring Group and its successor, the Australian-led Peace Monitoring Group.  The United Nations Mission had been a good example of a successful, demand-driven United Nations action in the field, and New Zealand was particularly grateful for the contributions of United Nations staff both from the Department of Political Affairs and those who had served in Bougainville itself.  Their commitment had been a major factor in the success of the United Nations Mission.

JOHN DAUTH (Australia) recalled that Bougainville had been one of the South Pacific’s longest-running and bloodiest conflicts.  From 1989 to 1998, an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 people died as a result of the conflict, and of a population of approximately 200,000, up to 70,000 people had been displaced from their homes into care centres and camps.  Establishment of the Autonomous Government last month, following successful elections, had been a momentous event in the process of establishing and consolidating peace in Bougainville.  The UNOMB had been small, but it made a strong contribution to the peace process.

He recalled that, at the request of the signatories to the 2001 peace agreement –- and in partnership with the Australian-led Peace Monitoring Group -– the Mission had assisted in implementing a weapons disposal plan, which had significantly enhanced trust among the parties.  The Mission had also been mandated to announce whether the security situation was conducive to holding the election.  It made that announcement in May.  The continuous presence of the United Nations in Bougainville for more than seven years had been an important source of reassurance and support.  He congratulated the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville leaders.  His country had been pleased to have worked alongside the United Nations and regional partners, and it remained strongly committed to efforts to ensure lasting peace and development in Bougainville, including by working with the agencies and programmes of the United Nations.

ROBERT AISI (Papua New Guinea) said today was a day for which people throughout Papua New Guinea and the international community had been working, hoping and praying:  the day when UNPOB/UNOMB completed its assignment.  Almost seven years after its establishment, that day had finally arrived.  It was an occasion for celebration by everyone involved — the people of Bougainville who had experienced both conflict and now peace; their fellow citizens around Papua New Guinea; as well as friends of the peace process at the United Nations and in Member States.

However, practical peacebuilding in Bougainville was obviously not yet complete, he pointed out.  Peace and good governance required ongoing attention and effort if they were to be sustained and made part of a legacy to succeeding generations.  But, so far at least, the peace process in the newly autonomous region was a success and would require continuing commitments to keep it that way.  The United Nations could be truly proud of the role it had played on the ground, as could the Member States who had contributed truce and peace monitors at an earlier stage –- Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu.

He said the peace process had been a people’s process at every stage — from the truce reached almost eight years ago, through the entry into force of the permanent and irrevocable ceasefire, to the negotiation and signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in August 2001, to the making and adoption of the Bougainville Constitution just before last Christmas, weapons disposal and now the election of the Autonomous Government.  It was also a source of its strength, as was the depth of the commitment that successive national governments had shown to the principle of working to secure lasting peace by peaceful means — and doing so on a bipartisan, national basis.

The people at the grass-roots and the national leadership had been well matched, he said.  Having experienced the losses, suffering and pains of a violent conflict, they had cooperated for the sake of peace.  While there had been occasional setbacks and delays, there had been no turning back.  The people’s involvement explained both the strength and the time the process had taken.  In that regard, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of the all parties involved in the peace process, offered sincere thanks for the understanding and patience of its friends in the international community and for the willingness of the Security Council and the Secretary-General to agree to repeated extensions of UNPOB/UNOMB’s mandate.

He said that the national Government congratulated President Joseph Kabui, the Vice-President, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, the newly appointed ministers and all other elected members.  The Government was especially pleased to note that a senior minister and the Deputy Speaker were women.  The election of a number of former combatants as constituency members was a further, positive sign that peace and normalcy were no longer just dreams.  However, challenges remained, including developing an economy capable of sustaining autonomy; promoting the kinds of development that would provide opportunities for individuals and communities to help themselves; encouraging and facilitating ongoing reconciliation and mutual respect in the community; and ensuring good governance so that the first two objectives, as well as others, could be achieved.

Papua New Guinea was pleased, he said, to note the continuing presence of United Nations personnel on the ground, not as participants in a peace process, but as partners in building the capacity for a better future.  Their presence helped to remove any doubt or uncertainty about whether the international community was still concerned and would continue to be involved after UNOMB had completed its mandated.  It was for that reason that the appropriate bodies should consider retaining the Mission’s existing assets in Bougainville, and handing them on to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other arms of the Organization that would continue to operate in Bougainville.  A continued United Nations presence in Arawa, in particular, would help provide assurance in the area where the Bougainville crisis had begun — close to the area that Francis Ona and his supporters continued to regard as a No-Go Zone exclusive to themselves and those to whom they allowed entry and transit.  The mention of Francis Ona and his supporters in the No-Go Zone around Panguna highlighted one of the areas in which the Bougainville peace process was not yet complete, even though UNOMB had come to an end.

Mr. VASSILAKIS (Greece), Council President, then expressed the Council’s thanks and appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Türk for his cooperation and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.

Jun 6 2015

Bougainville Election 2015 News : Momis re-elected ABG president of Bougainville

 

photoJM

Mr Momis also acknowledged those that have given him the mandate to lead the people of Bougainville in the next Bougainville House of Representatives.

He said despite the little hiccups encountered during the election period, people still stood firm with their decisions in ensuring that this election was conducted peacefully, before adding that this shows the people’s commitments towards democratic principles, values and the long term vision for the people of Bougainville.

DR Chief John Momis has been re-elected president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

He was declared the president-elect by the Regional Returning Officer John Itanu this morning, defeating eight other candidates also vying for the presidential seat.

Photo above Dr Momis being congratulated by the commissioner

Mr Momis has been leading the race since the start of counting last Saturday, and has been maintaining that lead till the fourth exclusive process conducted early this morning to be declared winner.

He won with a whopping 51, 382 votes while runner-up Mr Toroama received 18, 466 votes.

Sam Kauona and Sam Akoitai settled for third and fourth placings with 14, 965 and 11, 523 votes respectively after the completion of the fourth and final exclusive process.

During the completion of the primary counts saw Mr Momis receiving 48, 826 votes while runner-up Ismael Toroama collected 16, 077 votes.
Trailing third was Sam Kauona with 12, 383 votes while Sam Akoitai collected 9443 votes to maintain his fourth placing.

The absolute majority after the completion of the primary counts stood at 51, 302 votes, with Mr Momis needing to only collect 2476 votes in the exclusive process to claim the presidency seat.

Mr Momis continued receiving more votes during the exclusive process, thus surpassing the 51, 100 absolute majority mark in the fourth exclusive process resulting in his declaration.

The president-elect was escorted by some recently-declared members from Buka to the North Region counting centre at Hutjena secondary school at around half past ten today to sign the writ.

While delivering his speech after signing the writ, Mr Momis commended the Acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, Mr George Manu, his officers, external advisors and supporters involved in the successful staging of this election, which for the first time is being conducted by ABG’s own electoral commission.

Mr Momis also acknowledged those that have given him the mandate to lead the people of Bougainville in the next Bougainville House of Representatives.

He said despite the little hiccups encountered during the election period, people still stood firm with their decisions in ensuring that this election was conducted peacefully, before adding that this shows the people’s commitments towards democratic principles, values and the long term vision for the people of Bougainville.

The Third Bougainville House of Representative will be sworn into office on June 15 this month.

Jun 2 2015

Bougainville 2015 Elections News : Counting coming to close as Momis accelerating to Presidency

photo (13)

COUNTING COMING TO A CLOSE
By Aloysius Laukai

With many seats already declared counting for the ABG 2015 General election is coming to an end.

ABG sitting President, DR.CHIEF JOHN MOMIS has started accelerating again after getting some or no vote in parts of Central Bougainville.

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As of 7am this morning and at count 85 he scored 1,385 votes to get the Progressive score of 32,042 votes. Presidential count remaining after Central will be from the South Bougainville votes. So far a total of 73,145 votes have been counted.
See more details below.

Ballot No Candidate Prev Tot Votes New Total
16 John Lawrence Momis 30657 1385 32042
12 Sam Kauona 10771 187 10958
17 Ismael Toroama 8552 130 8682
14 Sam Akoitai 7633 60 7693
10 Nick F. Peniai 3643 33 3676
15 Simon Dumarinu 3477 12 34893477 12 3489
18 Reuben Siara 2620 31 26512620 31 2651
11 Justin Pokata Kira 1929 27 1956
13 Peter Nerau 647 9 656

 

In North Bougainville seats remaining to be counted are SUIR, SELAU and ATOLLS whilst the Regional seats for former Combatants and Women will continue and including the seat for the President which they will have to count all the votes from the three regions.

In CENTRAL they are still counting the South Nasioi seat currently held by the Minister for DPI, NICHOLAS DARKU.

Electorate Leading Last Update Status
President
John Lawrence Momis 3 Jun 7:19 am FPC85
North Bougainville Woman
Hellen Siumana 3 Jun 12:17 am FPC15
North Bougainville Former Combatant
Marcelline Getsi Laris 3 Jun 12:04 am FPC2
Atolls
—
Hagogohe
Robert Hamal Sawa 3 Jun4:15 am DECL
Haku
Robert Chika Tulsa 1 Jun10:00 am DECL
Halia
Patrick Nisira 2 Jun5:00 am DECL
Mahari
John Tabinaman 3 Jun7:05 am DECL
Nissan
Charry Napto Kiso 2 Jun9:50 pm DECL
Peit
Josephine Getsi 2 Jun7:15 pm DECL
Selau
—
Suir
—
Taonita Teop
Raopos Apou Tepaia 1 Jun9:10 pm DECL
Taonita Tinputz
David Braun Vatavi 30 May5:00 am DECL
Teua
Charles Kakapetai 2 Jun1:22 am DECL
Tonsu
—
Tsitalato
Fidelis Semoso 30 May2:00 am DECL
Central Bougainville Woman
Marcelline Kokiai 3 Jun 8:20 am FPC58
Central Bougainville Former Combatant
Noah Doko 3 Jun 7:26 am FPC57
Eivo/Torau
Clarence Dency 1 Jun10:05 am DECL
Ioro
Michael Lapolela 3 Jun 4:09 am CEC4
Kokoda
Rodney Osioco 30 May1:12 am DECL
Kongara
Dominic Itta 30 May10:24 am DECL
North Nasioi
Nicholas Darku 3 Jun 7:17 am FPC7
Rau
Thomas Keriri 2 Jun5:43 am DECL
South Nasioi
Simon Oriai Dasiona 31 May5:40 am DECL
Terra
Robin Wilson 1 Jun11:05 am DECL
South Bougainville Woman
Isabel Peta 2 Jun 11:18 pm FPC81
South Bougainville Former Combatant
Thomas Tarii 2 Jun 11:06 pm FPC81
Baubake
Jacob Tooke 2 Jun1:10 pm DECL
Bolave
Dennis Alexman Lokonai 31 May6:30 am DECL
Konnou
Willie Louis Mariki Masiu 3 Jun 4:03 am CEC6
Kopii
Philip Kuhena 2 Jun1:10 pm DECL
Lato
Christopher Kena 1 Jun9:15 am DECL
Lule
Joseph Kangki Nabuai 2 Jun6:20 pm DECL
Makis
John Vianney Kepas 2 Jun1:10 pm DECL
Motuna/Huyono/Tokunutui
Albert Punghau 1 Jun9:25 am DECL
Ramu
Thomas M Pataaku 2 Jun1:10 pm DECL
Torokina
Steven Suako 30 May1:45 am DECL
Baba
William Silamai 1 Jun9:20 am DECL

Jun 1 2015

Bougainville Tourism News: Australian tourist and business travel ban lifted by PNG govt.

Front cover-Sam

Papua New Guinea foreign minister announces lifting ban on Australians travelling to Bougainville

With the Zhon Bosco Miriona Managing Director from Bougainville Experience Tours travelling to Melbourne on June 18 to market Bougainville tourism to the Australian and International market at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange this positive news for Bougainville was well timed.

“With 50% of our tourist and business travellers coming from Australia this is very good news for all our guest houses, hire cars and tour operators ” Mr Miriona said ” our tourism industry was facing a massive economic impact that would have taken years to recover

The ABC reported last night

Papua New Guinea has lifted a ban on Australians travelling to the autonomous region of Bougainville, the foreign minister Rimbink Pato said, adding that Australia and PNG have “reached common ground” on issues relating to the ban.

“Travel restrictions on Australians travelling to Bougainville have been lifted as of today,” he said in a press release.

Last week, Mr Pato banned all Australian tourist, business and short-term entry visa-holders from entering Bougainville, which is an autonomous region of PNG.

The ban does not apply to work and permanent visa-holders.

There was opposition from Bougainville’s president John Momis who called on PNG to overturn a travel ban on Australians, saying it breached the spirit of the peace agreement giving the island autonomy.

‘Lapse in communication’

The PNG government expressed shock when Australia first announced plans in its budget to open a foreign diplomatic mission in Bougainville.

The government said it learnt about the move via the media, prompting the travel ban.

But Mr Pato said prime minister Peter O’Neill “reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s position that the government does not approve of the establishment of an Australian diplomatic mission on Bougainville.”

“While the manner in which the proposal was announced was unfortunate, we have discussed the issue with our Australian colleagues,” he said.

“We recognise that there is a serious lapse in communication and we can now move on from this issue.”

However, the Australian Government said the first formal discussion of the proposed foreign mission occurred on May 12.

Foreign minister Julie Bishop said the matter was discussed with PNG officials in December 2014 and again prior to the budget.

According to Mr Pato, Ms Bishop said in a letter to Mr O’Neill, the Australian Government “regrets their miscommunication regarding the proposal for an expanded presence in Bougainville, and for the way the announcement has been reported and portrayed.”

Bougainville is an autonomous part of PNG, but will be holding a referendum in the next five years to consider independence.

The region is currently holding elections for a new president and government that will shape the date and wording of a referendum on independence from PNG.

Rebels fought a decade-long civil war with PNG, sparked by conflict over the then-Australian-owned Panguna mine.

The island was granted autonomy under a 2001 peace agreement and a referendum on independence must be held between July 2015 and July 2020