Freedom for Bougainville!

Issue 

By James Vassilopoulos

Moses Havini, the Australian representative of the Bougainville Interim Government (BIG) has grave concerns about the deals negotiated at a meeting between Prime Minister John Howard and PNG PM Julius Chan in Sydney on March 9.

"We have heard that one of the proposals is to increase military aid personnel, with Australia simply standing in the boots of the mercenaries", Havini told Green Left Weekly.

"That would not be different than still having the mercenaries", he said, adding that Howard must come up with "an alternative to resolve the crisis".

According to Havini, the rift between Chan and Brigadier General Jerry Singirok was expected because of the soldiers' lack of faith in the PNG government and their low morale.

"The morale within the PNG Defence Force has been deteriorating for nine years now. This is because PNG forces felt that they never had enough logistical support and money to wage their war on Bougainville. On top of this, PNG military personnel have not been paid for months, and the families of the soldiers killed have not been compensated."

Havini said that 200 PNG troops had refused to return to Bougainville after rest and recreation leave.

"And then suddenly in a secret deal with illegal bandits [the mercenary army], Chan can pull out $40 million. The PNG Defence Force felt it was a slap in the face to them. Singirok asked how Chan could then say he had no money to assist them."

Havini said that the current crisis has "taken the heat off the BRA for a while". He stated that BIG would be happy to go back to the negotiating table with anyone other than Chan. He hoped that after the June elections, PNG would have a new prime minister.

Francis Ona, leader of the BRA, stated that the best way for the war to end was for the PNG troops to leave and for Australia to recognise that Bougainville wanted its independence.

Ona stated: "I think that the Australian government, which is responsible for this war on Bougainville, should now make a move to stop everything. I think it is best if the Australian government cooperates and recognises the independence of Bougainville.

"I am not for negotiation. I am straight out for independence. There are five mining companies ready to be set up on the island, which means a total wipe-out of the environment. The only solution is for the total withdrawal of PNG forces from the island."

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