Bougainville - 23 April 99 


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The National - 23 April 99

Breakthrough at Bougainville talks

Leaders agree to discuss political future
By FRANK SENGE KOLMA

ROTORUA: Bougainville leaders meeting here agreed yesterday to discuss the
political future of the troubled province for the first time since the 10-year-old 
crisis began.

Called the Matakana and Okataina Understanding, the agreement commits all
parties in the Bougainville process to contribute to the preparation of proposals 
on the powers, functions, structure and status of a future Bougainville
Government.

Matakana and Okataina are two areas on the North Island of New Zealand
where the leaders held their discussions this week.

The burden of the preparation of the proposals has fallen on Special State
Negotiator, Sir John Kaputin, in full consultation with and after taking written 
submissions from all parties concerned. 

The meeting directed Sir John and his team to have the package ready for
deliberation no later than June 30, 1999.

The leaders also pledged themselves to maintain the ceasefire agreed to
during the Lincoln Agreement as they work towards a negotiated settlement on the 
political future of Bougainville.

The leaders:

* Agreed to an immediate exercise facilitated by New Zealand and observed
by the current United Nations observers to dispose of all weapons;
* Directed all individuals and groups in Bougainville to make written
submissions Sir John;
* Encouraged the four Bougainville MPs to work together and urged the
Minister of State, Sam Akoitai, to cooperate with them in the exercise of his 
powers;
* Committed themselves and their people to implementing the provisions of
existing agreements; and
* While thanking New Zealand for its part in facilitating most of the
meetings in the current peace process, they committed themselves to holding all 
future meetings in the country.

Detailed plans are to be drawn up for the phased withdrawal of the security
forces on Bougainville.

The agreement was hailed by all leaders and New Zealand's former
Governor-General and chairman of this "study tour", Sir Paul Reeve, as a 
breakthrough that may well pave the way for lasting peace.

In the end it was not the rebels but the Buka delegation, comprising Joel
Banam representing the Leitana Council of Chiefs and Hillary Masiria representing 
the Resistance that were providing the strongest opposition to the talks.

They felt they had been left out of the discussions leading to the formation of the 
Bougainville Constituent Assembly (BCA).

But in the end, they agreed to work together with the other leaders of
Bougainville.

BCA co-chairman Joseph Kabui said of the understanding reached: "I salute
all of us. I hope and pray that we can move on. I believe that we have passed the 
most critical part of the peace process."

Mr Banam of the Leitana Council of Chiefs said: "The major constraint has
been in the division among the leadership. The key to our way forward is open 
and effective communication. That has now been achieved. The people of Buka 
are now waiting for some services to be restored to what it was before the crisis
began."

Co-chairman Gerard Sinato said: "We have touched the core of a new deal, a
new spirit and a new Bougainville."

Sir Paul Reeve, while congratulating the leaders, also urged them to move
forward with a Maori saying: "Be strong, be bold, be strong hearted, and be united 
with one another."

Prime Minister Mr Bill Skate told the leaders: "It is now up to you. 
I can only facilitate. You know the problems. You know the answers. I think you 
have found the answer and that is the leadership. I leave here a happy man."

The understanding was signed by Sir John Kaputin, Mr Akoitai, MPs John
Momis, Michael Ogio and Michael Laimo, Mr Kabui, Mr Sinato, Mr Banam and 
Mr Masiria. It was witnessed by Sir Paul. 

 
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