Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
'Final Hurdle': Bougainville Sets Non-negotiable Terms For Independence
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) president says the people of Bougainville will not accept any unlawful veto by the Papua New Guinea parliament of their democratic decision for self-determination.
Ishmael Toroama made the comments at the Second Joint Moderation Meeting in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
Toroama said the outcome of the referendum must now be implemented in good faith, according to a statement from the ABG.
He called on all parties, including international partners, to respect the outcome of the 2019 referendum in which Bougainvilleans overwhelmingly voted in favour of independence.
The statement said that Toroama made it clear that Bougainville maintains two non-negotiable positions:
- 1. That Bougainville's independence model is as defined on the referendum ballot; and
- 2. That the date for independence remains 1 September 2027.
"The two governments' task in the moderation process must be about defining the relationships the two sovereign nations must have on Independence Day," Toroama was quoted as saying.
Toroama also highlighted the need to resolve the outstanding issue of Section 342 of the PNG Constitution, which relates directly to the implementation of the referendum outcome.
"The referendum result is the record of a fact that 97.7% of the people voted for independence.
"No parliament can disclaim the accuracy of a record."
According to the ABG statement, Toroama reiterated that the moderation process is not about negotiating alternative models or transitional arrangements, but about the implementation of independence.
"This is our process. We have met all benchmarks set in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, including weapons disposal and good governance. We are now at the final hurdle," he said.
Toroama has also called on international partners, especially the signatories to the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), to support the peace process and uphold the principles in the BPA.
"There are international signatories to the BPA and it is incumbent on them to support the outcome of the referendum, the consultation process and the endorsement of the referendum results."
"It is not enough anymore to remain silent nor to say that the Bougainville issue is an internal PNG sovereign issue. This call is not only limited to the BPA signatory countries, but also to the contributing countries to the Bougainville peace process and the referendum process."
Toroama presented a document titled The Bougainville Memoir - Arguing the Bougainville Case to the Bougainville independence talks moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae.
The ABG said the memoir captures Bougainville's painful history, the resilience of its people, and their journey toward independence.
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.
350.org: Indigenous Groups From The Pacific, Brazil & Canada Hand Demands To COP30 Presidency To End Fossil Fuels
Conservation International: Conservation International Expedition Reveals Ecosystem Recovery In Tokelau
UN Special Procedures - Human Rights: UN Expert Urges States To Finance Inclusive And Sustainable Development, Not A War Economy
Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ: Global - Recorded Executions Highest Since 2015
Save The Children: MYANMAR - Heavy Rains Heighten Risk Of Disease Outbreaks Following Earthquake
UNICEF Aotearoa NZ: Aid Cuts Threaten Fragile Progress In Ending Maternal Deaths, UN Agencies Warn