19 Jul 2018

Bougainville says Moresby must do its bit to prepare for vote

From , 5:05 am on 19 July 2018

The President of Bougainville has raised concerns that the Papua New Guinea Government is not pulling its weight as the region prepares for its referendum on independence from PNG.

Two weeks ago John Momis met with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in a meeting of the Joint Supervisory Board tasked with preparing for the vote.

However, outstanding financial commitments of hundreds of millions of kina which the PNG state owes to the Autonomous Bougainville Government remain an obstacle to preparations.

After a long wait, PNG finally made a payment of  $US1.49 million  to Bougainville last week, but then the cheque bounced.

Mr Momis says Port Moresby is continually failing to deliver on commitments and he is considering approaching the United Nations, New Zealand or Australia for advice.

President of the autonomous Bougainville government, John Momis.

President of the autonomous Bougainville government, John Momis. Photo: RNZI