By ESWIN PLESIO
THE National Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have reaffirmed their commitment to following a peaceful and constitutional pathway on the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result.
Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu and ABG Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework provide important guidance as the referendum result is considered by the National Parliament.
The two chief secretaries made the remarks during a media briefing at Melanesian House in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mr Pomaleu said the two documents were developed through consultations between the National Government and ABG and were intended to provide a clear basis for Parliament and the two governments to consider the way forward.
He said the process must remain within the Constitution and respect the role of Parliament in deciding on the referendum result.
The 2019 Bougainville Referendum saw 97.7 per cent of voters chose independence. The result was formally tabled in Parliament on August 27, together with the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework.
Mr Nanei said the Melanesian Framework was developed as a pathway for the two governments to manage the next stage of the process while maintaining peace, dialogue and cooperation.
He urged the media to provide accurate information to the public, particularly as discussions about Bougainville continue across communities and social media.
The briefing was also attended by members of the technical teams involved in the consultation process.
The Joint Consultation Report records the consultations undertaken by the two governments, while the Melanesian Framework outlines the proposed pathway following Parliament’s decision.
The two chief secretaries said whatever decision Parliament makes, dialogue between the National Government and ABG will continue.
They said the focus remains on protecting the peace process and finding a lawful and orderly way forward for both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.