Bougainville News/Radio Australia id QAA22934; Wed, 1 Oct 1997 16:50:46 -0400 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit source: VIKKI@lexsun.law.uts.edu.au Wed Oct 1 02:12:32 1997 Radio Australia - World News 2ND ROUND OF BOUGAINVILLE PEACE TALKS BEGIN IN NEW ZEALAND Wednesday 1 October, 1997 (1:35pm AEST) A second round of peace talks on the Papua New Guinea Island of Bougainville are underway in Christchurch New Zealand. Almost 100 delegates from all the rival factions on Bougainville, as well as representatives of the PNG government, police and army are taking part. New Zealand's foreign affairs minister, Don McKinnon, says discussions will centre on arrangements for future talks between political leaders and the makeup of a neutral peace keeping force. Mr McKinnon says he's quietly optimistic that a ceasefire can be worked out. "Now that's a very major step cause you're very much asking everyone to put their weapons down. But I was extremely gratified last time at the end of the Burnham one talks that the B.R.A. were and did release the five hostages they were holding. Now that was very much a mark of goodwill on their part. So, obviously this time round we're looking for a similar you know major step forward." RELIEF IN SIGHT FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA DROUGHT Monday 29 September, 1997 (4:19pm AEST) Three provincial centres in Papua New Guinea have reported rain, breaking the prolonged dry spell affecting the country. Lae reported rain, while Alotau and Kavieng had light showers. The NBC in Port Moresby says that last week Lorengau and Buka reported heavy downpours. The National Weather Service in Port Moresby says the wet season will start in October and continue through to December. PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN LEAD-UP TO BOUGAINVILLE TALKS Monday 29 September, 1997 (1:54pm AEST) The people of Papua New Guinea have been urged to pray for peace on Bougainville island, as parties in the conflict gather in New Zealand for a second round of peace talks. The archbishop of the Catholic Church in East New Britain Province Karl Hesse, who's also the church leader for Bougainville, called on all Papua New Guineans to unite in prayer as the islanders have suffered greatly in the conflict. Delegates to the talks have begun arriving at Burnham base near Christchurch. Libby Hakaria reports the Australian government is paying transport costs for the delegates, who'll be trying to map out a strategy for talks involving political leaders later this year. Over the next 48 hours, about 100 officials from the Papua New Guinea government, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, the Bougainville Interim Government and the Bougainville Transitional Government will arrive in Christchurch for the talks which begin on Wednesday. The P-N-G Government did not take part in the first talks at the Burnham military camp in July, but this time are sending a 20 strong delegation. Leaders of the P-N-G defence force will also attend. New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Don McKinnon says he's hopeful that the talks will result in a meeting of all the faction leaders later this year. Libby Hakaraia, Auckland. PNG PEOPLE URGED TO PRAY AS PEACE TALKS BEGIN IN NZ Monday 29 September, 1997 (12:55pm AEST) The people of Papua New Guinea have been urged to pray for peace on Bougainville island, as parties in the conflict gather in New Zealand for a second round of peace talks. Delegations from the PNG government are joining the PNG-backed Bougainville transitional government and secessionist representatives at the Burnham military camp, near Christchurch. The archbishop of the Catholic Church in East New Britain Province Karl Hesse, who's also the church leader for Bougainville, called on all Papua New Guineans to pray for peace. He said the islanders have suffered, with numerous loss of lives. The New Zealand meeting will be followed by talks with the PNG government later in October, which Prime Minister Bill Skate has indicated he will attend. ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytpac-10.01.97-16:50:48-228