New Zealand will be the venue for post-referendum discussions involving the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) next week, as announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The consultations, known as the ‘Burnham Consultations,’ will take place at Burnham Military Camp, organized at the request of Sir Jerry Mateparae, who will serve as the independent moderator alongside a United Nations team.
This upcoming event is significant as it marks 28 years since New Zealand last hosted peace talks related to Bougainville. Peters expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to foster a conducive environment for meaningful discussions regarding Bougainville’s political future. He emphasized the importance of reaching a mutually acceptable outcome for the benefit of PNG, Bougainville, and the surrounding region.
Participants from Port Moresby are expected to travel to Christchurch on Friday for these crucial discussions, which aim to uphold the Bougainville Peace Agreement, to which New Zealand is a witnessing signatory. This agreement is essential in guiding the future governance and aspirations of the Bougainville people, particularly in light of the independence referendum held in 2019, where 97.7% of Bougainvillians voted in favor of independence.
The backdrop of these discussions resonates with ongoing talks between PNG and Bougainville’s leadership regarding the implementation of the UN-supervised Bougainville Peace Agreement, following the notable delays in parliament ratifying the 2019 referendum results. The situation is also compounded by concerns regarding the need for economic sustainability before further autonomy can be granted, an issue highlighted by PNG Prime Minister James Marape.
Amid these challenges, sentiments from Bougainvillean leaders remain hopeful as they emphasize their unwavering determination for self-determination and effective governance. The upcoming discussions symbolize an opportunity for Bougainville to advance its political journey in collaboration with regional neighbors and international partners.
The context of these negotiations underscores a growing optimism that through concerted dialogue and mutual respect for the will of the Bougainvillean people, a path towards lasting peace and governance can be established.
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