Acting PNG PM congratulates ABG for successful election and swearing in of members

ABG President Dr. John Momis sworn in. Photo credit. Dawn FM

Acting Prime Minister Grand Chief Hon. Leo Dion, GCL, CMG, QPM, MP, congratulated the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) for the successful, free and fare elections.

Acting Prime Minister Grand Chief Dion congratulated the members elected during the inauguration of the 3rd ABG House of Representatives in Buka recently.

"I also commend the people of Bougainville for a peaceful and as, international observers have confirmed, a free and fair election," the Acting Prime Minister said.

He said the National Government led by the Prime Minister Hon Peter O'Neill is ready to embrace the principles and philosophies of the ABG in meeting the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing the next stages of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

"As a government, we are committed to continue building on the strategic frames-works not only for the autonomous arrangement to work but also for the maintenance of lasting peace by peaceful means in accordance with the agreement."

Acting Prime Minister Grand Chief Dion reiterated that the implementation of the agreement requires on-going consultation and co-operation.

"The Bougainville Peace Agreement must full fill in earnest the three pillars of Autonomy, Referendum and Weapons Disposal."

"Resolutions agreed at the recent meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) in Arawa in March provide additional evidence of the shared commitment to a positive way forward."

He added that the National Government is aware that there are numerous challenges that are being encountered during the process of implementation of the agreement.

"We will continue to use the PNG-ABG Joint Supervisory Body as the forum to discuss and resolve these challenges as we move forward."