THE first government consultation on the post referendum between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and national government ended today on a high note in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The consultation was a requirement under section 311 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Section 342(1) of the national constitution.
President Ishmael Toroama and Prime Minister James Marape have committed to ensuring that the consultation process is guided by the principles of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and that both sides find a practical and acceptable solution that is beneficial to both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
The two leaders further acknowledged that the result of the Bougainville Referendum was tabled in this first meeting and that the people of Bougainville have voted in favour of independence.
The two leaders jointly agreed to a number of outcomes and have directed the national government and Bougainville technical teams to:
• Consult on the definition and process of ratification;
• Identify constitutional issues relating to the referendum result and the tabling of the consultation outcomes in the national parliament;
• Develop a joint roadmap on post-referendum consultations and;
• Fully implement the SHARP Agreement as a matter of priority;
The next Joint Government Leaders Consultation will be held in Enga, Wabag Province prior to the meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body meeting in June, 2021.