Papua New Guinea PM rules out secession for Bougainville

Papua New Guinea PM rules out secession for Bougainville

PORT MORESBY (AP): Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Mekere
Morauta on Friday ruled out secession for independence-minded
Bougainville island.

He was speaking in advance of crucial and "final" talks on
autonomy and an eventual referendum on independence for
Bougainville, PNG's 19th province.

In a statement to Parliament, broadcast live nationally on
radio and television, Morauta even ruled out greater autonomy for
the island unless former Bougainville Revolutionary Army
guerrillas surrendered their arms.

There was no immediate comment from the guerrillas.

Morauta's speech was conciliatory and positive in the
government's acceptance of a special dispensation of power for
Bougainville.

But his hard line on a weapons surrender and independence
could derail planned talks on Monday between the government and
Bougainville leaders.

Between 15,000 to 20,000 people died on Bougainville in a
rebellion that became a war of secession between 1989 and 1998.

A cease-fire was finally called after it was revealed that
then Prime Minister Julius Chan planned to call in mercenaries to
corner and kill rebels leaders.

Since 1998, about 200 unarmed Australian, New Zealand, Fijian
and Vanuatu defense personnel and soldiers have monitored the
cease-fire while the politicians negotiate.

"The major sticking point in the political talks has been the
Bougainville delegation's proposal for a constitutional guarantee
for a binding referendum on independence," Morauta told
Parliament.

"The difficulties it poses begin with the long-standing and
unshakable determination of every Papua New Guinean government
since independence - and every significant shade of current
political opinion - to ensure that Papua New Guinea remains a
single, united and sovereign nation."