Pacific Island REport: PNG Truce, Oz Military Aid Reports


Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit

source: N.Braumann@tu-bs.de  Wed Nov  5 15:53:54 1997
http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/11-05-01.html


PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/Center for Pacific Islands Studies

PNG'S SKATE URGES SOLDIERS TO CREATE PEACEFUL BOUGAINVILLE

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (November 4, 1997 - PACNEWS)--- Papua
New Guinea Prime Minister Bill Skate has called on Defense Force
soldiers stationed on mineral-rich Bougainville to help create an
atmosphere of peace on the long troubled island.

This contribution from members of the security forces, the Prime
Minister says, will help build mutual friendship and understanding and
assist in the overall restoration process after nine years of civil
war.

Skate says cabinet members have been pleased with the latest peace
developments, particularly with reports of the positive community
reaction to the truce arrangements and related normalization
developments.

Restrictions on travel have been lifted and citizens again are allowed
to travel freely throughout the island.

The Prime Minister's comments come following government approval of a
special report on the Bougainville peace talks held at Burnham Army
Camp outside Christchurch, New Zealand recently. During the talks, the
current truce arrangements were signed.

Meantime, Australia may assist with the next round of Bougainville
peace talks.

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister, Kilroy Genia, said in a media
statement that Australia has indicated a willingness to provide a
venue for the next series of negotiations.

In still another development, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander
Downer has described as "rubbish" and "utter rot" a wire service
report which indicated Australia might send military advisors to PNG.
 
=================================================================
  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-11.07.97-03:21:04-24406