Toroama Says Bougainville Defending Referendum Mandate for Independence
Bougainville is standing firm on its call for independence, with Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama declaring that the leadership is “defending your votes and rights” from the 2019 referendum.
 |
| Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama [Photo by New Dawn FM] |
Speaking on recent progress, Toroama said, “The work we are doing now is crafting our way into the national Parliament. We agreed on a sessional order and we are looking at its content.”
He noted that while the PNG Government is upholding its constitutional responsibilities, the same Constitution also supports the Bougainville Peace Agreement — the foundation for the referendum in which more than 97 per cent voted for independence.
Recent talks at Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch, New Zealand, focused on finalising the sessional order required to table the referendum result in Parliament. The talks also supported a proposed Melanesian relationship framework to guide future political arrangements.
Independent moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae confirmed both parties agreed on key elements of the future political relationship. A final meeting is expected later this month. Toroama hopes agreement on the sessional order will be reached before the Bougainville elections.
Also read
Post a Comment