The Autonomous Bougainville Government is committed to the roadmap for 2019 Referendum, says ABG Vice president Patrick Nasira.
Nasira is also the Minister responsible for Referendum and Veterans Affairs.
“Today we have achieved another milestone, signing today (last week) is a significant leap forward because it gives confident for people in Bougainville and the people of Papua New Guinea that the process is alive and well,” Nasira said.
He made this comment after the signing of the Bougainville Referendum Commission who will oversee the preparation and conducting of the 2019 Referendum.
“ABG will continue to respect the independence of the commission, however, let me remind the parties that the commission although will be an independent agency, will have to work with the governments of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea and not work in isolation,” Nasira said.
“On the issue of weapons disposal and good governance, Bougainville remains committed in dealing with the issue of weapons disposal and good governance, and we need the support of Papua New Guinea, and donor partners to deal with the remaining weapons of the war on the island.
“And when we deal with weapons disposal, the process of reconciliations must go hand in hand with weapons disposal because those holding weapons have outstanding issues to deal with.
“I assure the Government of Papua New Guinea that Bougainville remains committed to eradicate weapons to provide an environment in conducting a free and fair referendum.”