I sincerely hope that the PNG Parliament will give strong, bipartisan
support to legislation to give legal effect to the Bougainville
Peace Agreement at this week's final vote. This is a truly historic
opportunity to bring to an end one of the region's longest running
conflicts and to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the
people of Bougainville.
A successful vote will launch Bougainville on the final phase of
its path to peace. It will signal to Bougainville and the region
that the national Government is determined to bring peace to the
province. It will open the way for the people of Bougainville to
establish a new autonomous Government.
I was greatly encouraged by the Papua New Guinea Parliamentarians'
overwhelming support of the Bougainville peace agreement when they
first voted on the legislation in January. This ringing, unanimous
endorsement demonstrated their confidence in the peace process and
the terms of the settlement negotiated by the parties.
It proved to be the catalyst for one of the most significant demonstrations
of weapons disposal we have ever seen in the region with more than
920 weapons handed in to UN and Peace Monitoring Group representatives
since the program began in December 2001, including 204 high-powered,
military-style weapons. Further weapons containments are scheduled
over the next 24 hours.
I commend the national Government and the Minister for Bougainville
Affairs, Sir Moi Avei, the Bougainvillean leaders and the United
Nations for their efforts to achieve an honourable and lasting settlement
to the conflict.
I applaud the statement by Ishmael Toroama (Chief of Defence, Bougainville
Revolutionary Army) at a containment ceremony in the BRA heartland
of the Kieta District that 'the people of Kieta are showing the
world that we no longer want to fight'. And Hillary Masiria, Chairman
of the Resistance, who said that his ex-combatants have 'made the
decision to put our mothers and children first.forget about your
guns, the war is over'.
The peace process is an inspiration to the region. All parties
have a vital role in demonstrating their continued commitment to
a settlement. I sincerely hope the PNG Parliament will give its
full and final support to the legislation and launch the peace process
into its final phase.
The war is over. But Australia, along with its Peace Monitoring
Group partners, will continue to contribute substantially to the
peace process and to the reconstruction of Bougainville.
Media inquiries: Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / Julie
McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555
