PNG: Bougainville President Applauds Border Meeting
The Papua New Guinea national government has assured the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) that it will included in discussions on border talks with Solomon Islands.
Minister responsible for Bougainville affairs, Sir Peter Barter assured the ABG that it would be part of government delegation when the two governments discuss the issue.
“I got into trouble last month when the ABG was not represented in the PNG delegation that attended the special Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Port Vila,” Sir Peter told PACNEWS in Suva.
He said they were not included because Bougainville was not the main issue at the MSG meeting but part of it discussed visa arrangements between MSG countries.
“Indirectly Bougainville was discussed but it wasn’t the main issue. We have an agreement with the ABG that we allow them to participate in any sovereign discussions on border or areas touching Bougainville.” Sir Peter said.
Meanwhile, border posts would be established to monitor and control the movement of people between PNG and the Solomon Islands.
This was the indication yesterday following border talks between officials from the PNG and Autonomous Bougainville Governments.
Speaking at the opening of the talks, ABG President Joseph Kabui called for urgent control at the border.
He also urged the PNG Government to further involve ABG in the border talks with the Solomons, as they have waited long for such an opportunity…. NATIONAL/PNS
