Wingti changes mind on peace

Wednesday, May 4, 1994 - 10:00

Wingti changes mind on peace

"The Papua New Guinea government's statement that it would increase the size of PNG military forces on Bougainville by nine times the current deployment is not realistic; especially given the position stated by the leader of the Australian parliamentary delegation to Bougainville, Stephen Loosley ... that a military solution is not possible", Moses Havini, the Bougainville Interim Government's international representative, announced on April 27.

Following the Australian parliamentary visit to Bougainville, PNG Prime Minister Paias Wingti declared, on April 24, a willingness to negotiate a peace settlement with the secessionist forces on the island. Within a few days, peace talk marched out the door as the military option once again stormed through the window.

From GLW issue 141