Bougainville

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Media Release

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer

8 August 2001

I warmly welcome the announcement made yesterday by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Mekere Morauta, that the PNG Cabinet has endorsed, with some modifications, the Comprehensive Political Settlement to bring the Bougainville conflict to an end.

This decision is a vital and necessary step towards a settlement of this long-running dispute.

Those involved deserve the congratulations not only of Australia, but of all countries in the South Pacific, particularly those who have contributed to the Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville and hence have made a personal contribution to peace on the island.

I acknowledge that further negotiations will be necessary between the National Government and the Bougainville leadership over the modifications sought by the Papua New Guinea Government. But if the flexibility, goodwill and patience shown to date can be sustained, there is a very strong prospect that the terms of the final settlement can be agreed swiftly.

If early agreement can be reached, it will pave the way for the introduction of the necessary legislation into the PNG Parliament to enable Bougainville to be granted autonomy.

Australia remains committed to bringing peace to Bougainville. We will continue to lead the Peace Monitoring Group and provide the bulk of its logistical support and its personnel until its job is done. We will build on the work of the more than 2000 Australian Defence Force personnel and 260 civilian monitors who have served with the Peace Monitoring Group. We have provided close to $100 million in aid to help restore services to Bougainville. We stand ready to continue to assist the Bougainville peace process diplomatically, through our aid program and through the Peace Monitoring Group, if our contribution can bring peace and a lasting settlement to Bougainville.

Inquiries:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 61-2-6277 7500
Julie McDonald (Departmental) 61-2-6261 1111

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