World News

Promising Developments in Bougainville Peace Process

By Joshua Smith - 11th May, 2001

The Papua New Guinea Government today announced that they have reached agreement with the Bougainvilleans on a weapons disposal plan.

Alexander Downer, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed the significance of this announcement, stating, "This is an important step forward on the road to peace and stability in Bougainville."

Today's agreement builds on the political settlement reached in Kokopo in January. It provides for the phased removal of guns and other weapons from communities.

Conclusion of a weapons disposal agreement is a major achievement. "I recognise the considerable effort made by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the Resistance Forces in concluding this agreement. I also congratulate the work of the United Nations Observer Mission in helping the parties resolve the complex issues and pay tribute to the leadership of the Bougainville Affairs Minister, Moi Avei, who has guided the peace process forward over the past few months." stated an elated Mr Downer.

He continued: "We are glad that Australia was able to assist this process through the hosting of earlier talks in Townsville in February this year."

There of course remain many difficult issues to resolve. Australia's commitment remains in the support of its established aid program and the Peace Monitoring Group, both of which are designed to encourage peace in the region.

It is understood that Bougainville leaders are this week travelling to Port Moresby for the resumption of negotiations on autonomy. The hope is that said negotiations will result in the early conclusion of a final political settlement on Bougainville.