The National [PNG]: Two rebel leaders vow to push for peace


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

source:N.Braumann@tu-bs.de  Sun Nov  9 20:55:59 1997

http://www.wr.com.au:80/national/971110a7.htm

The National, PNG 11/10/97


Two rebel leaders vow to push for peace

RABAUL: Two leading rebel leaders from Kieta in Bougainville have made
an undertaking to attend a reconciliation meeting in Banna area (South
Bougainville) next week, Bougainville police have said.

Bougainville provincial police commander Joel Kean said the two rebel
leaders, Paul Bobby and Peter Nango, had assured him (Mr Kean) Tuesday
last week in Arawa during a reconciliation meeting that they would
take a leading role in encouraging other rebels to reconcile with
resistance fighters and security force members during the Banna
reconciliation meeting next week.

"Paul Bobby and Peter Nango came to me and asked whether I was the
PPC... And when I said yes, they broke down in tears and I could not
help breaking down in tears as well because they only heard of my name
but never saw me. Likewise, I only knew their names but never saw them
before," said Mr Kean.

He said it was after that emotional moment with the rebel leaders that
the two had made an undertaking to attend the Banna reconciliation
meeting.

"They repeatedly told me that enough is enough... and I could see that
they in fact wanted peace and wanted to meet with their loved ones
whom they had abandoned for almost 10 years," he said.

Mr Kean said since the implementation of the Burnham truce began in
October 10, the situation on Bougainville had taken a new twist with
increase in free movement of people from one point to another and the
appearance of rebel leaders in reconciliation meetings.

"Since the implementation of the Burnham truce began in October 10, I
am glad as the police chief in Bougainville to say that much positive
development has taken place... The free movement of people from one
point to another without being disturbed, the appearance of rebel
leaders in reconciliation meetings, and the general reaction from the
people are all more than encouraging," he said.
 
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