Bougainville News 24/9/97 id RAA05951; Wed, 24 Sep 1997 17:19:18 -0400 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit source:VIKKI@lexsun.law.uts.edu.au Wed Sep 24 02:05:16 1997 Postcourier Newspaper (PNG) - 24 Septpember, 1997 B'ville combatants to talk peace in NZ CLOSE to 60 Security Forces officers, resistance fighters and BRA commanders will meet later this month on neutral ground in New Zealand as part of the peace initiative now being undertaken on Bougainville. Bougainville Premier Gerard Sinato said yesterday the move is being planned to allow the men, most of whom have faced each other in combat in the jungles of Bougainville, to meet and make peace. The planned meeting is part of the second round of peace talks between the rebels and the Government to be held in New Zealand in early October as a follow-up to the Burnham talks in July this year. Mr Sinato said it is hoped PNG Defence Force rank and file and members of the resistance force and rebel army commanders can get together, meet each other and develop common understanding. ``We feel this will be a major part to the peace talks and it is only proper that they meet on neutral ground so that there is no ill feeling or fear among them,'' he said. Mr Sinato said his government hopes that Defence Force commander Brigadier-General Leo Nuia will be at the meeting too. ``We think that a feeling of brotherhood will prevent further fighting,'' he said. The BRA will be picked up at Roreinang and the Security Force and resistance group at Buka to go to New Zealand in the same vessel. ================ B'ville roads open up under peace initiative ALL road links between mainland Bougainville, as far as Arawa and Buka, have been re-opened under the current peace initiative on Bougainville. Bougainville Transitional Government premier Gerard Sinato said yesterday that the peace process, recently boosted by the Burnham peace talks in New Zealand and visits to the troubled island by New Zealand and Australian Foreign Ministers, was gaining acceptance. He said people were now travelling to Arawa, Tinputz and other mainland points and Buka without constant fear of being attacked or harassed by the BRA. He said previous road travel from these places to the government and commercial seat on Buka, was extremely dangerous. But two weeks ago, the roads were opened up following talks between BRA, government and Security Forces for peace on the island. Mr Sinato said many in the BRA have laid down their weapons for peace. They are now back with their parents and are assisting the Security Forces to open up the roads for services to come in, he said. Mr Sinato said there are positive signs of wanting to end the war, such as shipping moving freely between mainland ports and a general feeling of reviving the cash economy. As well, Mr Sinato said negotiations were now being held with the various third level airline companies although nothing constructive has been reached. He said, however, helicopters owned by Hevi Lift were now regularly landing in BRA strongholds of Manetai, Paru Paru, Roroenang and Stemas, to drop off supplies and rations for the suffering population. He said: ``Gradually, we are seeing marked improvement in the lifestyle of the people because services are finally being restored in the rural areas, including in BRA-controlled areas. Peace is inevitable.'' Premier Sinato said as part of the peace building process, communications has been set up between his office and various BRA leaders on the mainland including with Joseph Kabui at Paru Paru and Andrew Miriki in Laguai. He said: ``We are talking almost every day and there is a general feeling among all of us to work towards peace. Communications to another three BRA strongholds were now being installed to enable Mr Sinato's office to communicate directly with BRA commanders. Asked if he has been able to communicate with rebel leader Francis Ona, Mr Sinato said he had been trying to make contact but with little success. However, he is hopeful that the general move towards peace will gain momentum and force him out to the next round of peace talks in two week's time. ================================================================= 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-09.24.97-17:19:19-20791