Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Sir Jerry Optimistic He Can Help Resolve Bougainville/Moresby Impasse
Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Journalist
Former New Zealand governor general Sir Jerry Mateparae says he is optimistic about helping to resolve a dispute between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Bougainville is seeking independence from PNG, and five years ago the people in the autonomous region voted almost unanimously for independence.
This had followed a brutal, ten-year long civil war, in which an estimated 15,000 Bougainvilleans died.
The Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, has said his government wants independence by 2025 or 2027, at the latest.
Sir Jerry Mateparae, who also headed the international peace keeping team in Bougainville a generation ago, was appointed last month as an independent moderator to help the two parties agree on terms for the parliamentary vote needed to ratify the result.
He told a media conference in Port Moresby this week: "I am optimistic about what I can help the parties to achieve."
This past week, Sir Jerry has been holding meetings with both the leaders of PNG and Bougainville, and other officials.
"The conversation I have had this week between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the national government is how we can make our future together," he said.
The critical sticking point for both parties has been the tabling of the referendum document in the national parliament.
PNG's Bougainville Affairs Minister, Manasseh Makiba, says an absolute majority of MPs in the House will need to support it, while Bougainville says a simple majority is needed at that point of the process.
Its Minister for the Independence Referendum Implementation, Ezekiel Masatt, accepts that when MPs come to vote on the necessary constitutional changes required that then an absolute majority would be needed.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
COP29: Statement From COP29 Presidency
UN News: ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Gallant And Hamas Commander
RNZ: Samoan Local Upset With Lack Of Manawanui Updates
Pacific Whale Fund: Groundbreaking Whale Rights Law Inspired By Māori King's Legacy To Be Unveiled In London
UN News: United States Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution At Security Council
Climate Action Network: COP29 ANALYSIS - G20 Declaration And Climate Finance