BOUGAINVILLE President, Ishmael Toroama, is committed to the course of bringing the Bougainville Peace Agreement into a reality.
He solemnly declared to perform his task diligently for the love of his people and the entire region so that their wish come to a reality.
President Toroama expressed that they have come a very long way and he is glad to see the government of Papua New Guinea taking at least one thing at time in relation to their plea.
He commended the people of Bougainville for staying true and honest to very key principles, allowing the higher authority only to carry out designated tasks and responsibilities.
“By looking at those stages and steps, I think the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement has progressed quite well,” said President Toroama.
The President also refuted statements made in the media about Bougainville people still having warlords.
Toroama confirms his people no longer practice such as he continues to see positive response of humility and trust amongst his own people.
“There are no kind of warlords in Bougainville,” he confirmed.
“If Bougainville really had warlords, people will still be fighting continuously in Bougainville,’’ Toroama added.
The President was certain of the smooth transition of the progress and work so far following the signing of the peace agreement.
He acknowledged the understanding of his people to allow for discussions to take place on the roundtable involving Prime Minister James Marape and the joint technical team.
Reflecting to the dark stages of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, President Toroama expressed his gratitude towards the Government of New Zealand, the Australian Government as well as the Government of Papua New Guinea for their collective efforts in showing support and bring every other form of assistance to stop the fighting on the region.
The President was speaking during a joint media conference with Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby yesterday.
The purpose of the joint media conference was to announce the appointment of former New Zealand Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, as a moderator of the upcoming Bougainville independence discussions.
Sir Mateparae will take charge on remaining outstanding discussions on Bougainville independence agenda between the Government of PNG and the Bougainville Government.
Toroama welcomed Sir Mateparae’s appointment as this could be an opportunity for all the leaders to discuss positively to deliver sustainable peace for the Bougainville.
