By Norm Dixon
Moves are under way to begin negotiations between leaders of the independence-seeking Bougainville Interim Government, which controls much of the island, and Bougainvilleans representing those areas under PNG Defence Force control. The breakthrough was announced in a statement issued by Martin Miriori, Interim Government spokesperson, on July 14.
Miriori reported that the Peace Negotiating and Monitoring Committee of the Office of the Provisional North Solomons Provincial Government (NSPMNC) in PNGDF-occupied Buka Island, headed by PNG government MP John Momis, had proposed that representatives meet to plan for a future "pan-Bougainville peace meeting". The Bougainville Interim Government had agreed to the meeting.
The Bougainville independence movement has called for a resumption of negotiations for the past three years. In April the Interim Government offered an immediate cease-fire and talks, but the offer was refused by the PNG government.
"We are very excited about the proposal ... For so long we have been calling for negotiations, and now they have taken the initiative we will do all we can to cooperate", Miriori said.
Officials of the NSPMNC are in Port Moresby to secure endorsement of the agreement from the PNG government. However, Prime Minister Paias Wingti issued a statement on July 15 that reaffirmed his government's determination to pursue a military solution on Bougainville.
Refugees from PNGDF-controlled areas of Bougainville have reported that the PNG military is preparing to launch an offensive against independence strongholds in central Bougainville. Five hundred extra troops have massed at Loloho in preparation to recapture Kieta and Aropa airport and to reinforce PNG troops at Koromira.
If the PNG government agrees to talks, a planning meeting will be held in late July in either Honiara or Cairns. Miriori said the meeting will discuss the date, venue and logistics of the pan-Bougainville meeting.
"We will not be discussing the issues of future political status for Bougainville. That is a matter for the people to decide for themselves when peace has returned", Miriori said. "Our concern is for the grassroots who are suffering, not only in BRA areas where there are no medicines, but in other areas where people have been forced to leave their villages and natural way of life to live in care centres.
"From the pan-Bougainville meeting we can proceed to negotiate with PNG on terms and conditions for peace and normalcy that can end the conflict and achieve a lasting peace."
Miriori said that the Bougainville independence movement's most senior leaders, Francis Ona and Sam Kauona, would be prepared to attend the pan-Bougainville meeting "if they are satisfied with the security arrangements".