Papua New Guinea PM rules out secession for Bougainville<\/p>\n
PORT MORESBY (AP): Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Mekere
\nMorauta on Friday ruled out secession for independence-minded
\nBougainville island.<\/p>\n
He was speaking in advance of crucial and \"final\" talks on
\nautonomy and an eventual referendum on independence for
\nBougainville, PNG's 19th province.<\/p>\n
In a statement to Parliament, broadcast live nationally on
\nradio and television, Morauta even ruled out greater autonomy for
\nthe island unless former Bougainville Revolutionary Army
\nguerrillas surrendered their arms.<\/p>\n
There was no immediate comment from the guerrillas.<\/p>\n
Morauta's speech was conciliatory and positive in the
\ngovernment's acceptance of a special dispensation of power for
\nBougainville.<\/p>\n
But his hard line on a weapons surrender and independence
\ncould derail planned talks on Monday between the government and
\nBougainville leaders.<\/p>\n
Between 15,000 to 20,000 people died on Bougainville in a
\nrebellion that became a war of secession between 1989 and 1998.<\/p>\n
A cease-fire was finally called after it was revealed that
\nthen Prime Minister Julius Chan planned to call in mercenaries to
\ncorner and kill rebels leaders.<\/p>\n
Since 1998, about 200 unarmed Australian, New Zealand, Fijian
\nand Vanuatu defense personnel and soldiers have monitored the
\ncease-fire while the politicians negotiate.<\/p>\n
\"The major sticking point in the political talks has been the
\nBougainville delegation's proposal for a constitutional guarantee
\nfor a binding referendum on independence,\" Morauta told
\nParliament.<\/p>\n
\"The difficulties it poses begin with the long-standing and
\nunshakable determination of every Papua New Guinean government
\nsince independence - and every significant shade of current
\npolitical opinion - to ensure that Papua New Guinea remains a
\nsingle, united and sovereign nation.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/papua-new-guinea-pm-rules-out-secession-for-bougainville-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}