Call us BPC Members, instead, say rebels


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

source - VIKKI@law.uts.edu.au  Wed Jun  2 22:27:54 1999

The National - 3 June 99

Call us BPC members instead, say rebels
By PHILIP KEPSON

RABAUL: Bougainville rebels yesterday appealed to media organisations and
the general public to refrain from referring to them as rebels.

Their spokesman Andrew Miriki said the use of the word "rebel" was relevant
in recent past, particularly when the peace process was in it initial stage
but it was not appropriate now.

"The use of the word 'rebel' is not encouraging for people involved in the
peace process, mainly the rebel faction."

He said with the formation of the Bougainville Peoples Congress (BPC) and
the appointment of its executives, the media and the public must realise
that they (the leaders) would want to be addressed with more appropriate
titles.

"We were rebels some years back. However, as we are going towards a peaceful
settlement with the political issue, we would rather be referred to as
former rebel leaders, BPC members, or BPC executives," said Mr Miriki.

He also said the rebel faction on Bougainville is happy and thankful to the
people of Bougainville for their cooperation and understanding in making the
BPC election peaceful.

Mr Miriki said when the BPC convenes its second sitting in June 10, they
will deliberate on a submission their technical officers had prepared to be
submitted to Chief State Negotiator and Rabaul MP Sir John Kaputin regarding
the formation of the proposed Bougainville Reconciliation Government.
 
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