AROB REGIONAL MEMBER CALLS FOR ACTION IN PARLIAMENT

BY NIGEL MADO

BOUGAINVILLE Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Junior says Papua New Guinea’s parliamentary decision-making process will be critical to securing a lasting political settlement for Bougainville.

Tsiamalili made the call in a statement marking 25 years of peace in Bougainville, saying the 97.7 per cent referendum result represents the peaceful and democratic voice of the people.

He says the referendum was conducted through a process established under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.

According to Tsiamalili, the result must be treated with the seriousness, dignity and good faith required by the peace agreement and constitutional commitments.

He says honouring the referendum result through responsible consultation and parliamentary decision-making will strengthen, rather than weaken, the peace built between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.