The former chairman of Bougainville's Referendum Commission Bertie Ahern has agreed to moderate its negotiations with the Papua New Guinea government.
Bertie Ahern. Photo: Bougainville Referendum Commission
Ahern, a former leader of Ireland who served as Taoiseach from 1997 to 2008, more recently oversaw the preparation and conduct of Bougainville's historic referendum on independence last year,
Almost 98 percent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence in the non-binding referendum, but the result is subject to ratification by PNG's national parliament.
First the two governments are entering extensive consultations.
This week, PNG's prime minister James Marape hosted the president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Ishmael Toroama, for initial talks in Port Moresby.
Following the talks, they announced that Mr Ahern, a former Irish prime minister, would be moderator on post-referendum consultations.
The newspaper The National reports that the two leaders thanked him for agreeing to take on the role.
A meeting to decide on a framework for consultations over the referendum outcome is set to take place in Kokopo on 30 November.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville's President Ishmael Toroama meet for talks in Port Moresby, 9 November 2020. Photo: PNG PM Media
The meeting in the East New Britain town are also to focus on financial issues, Bougainville economic and investment summit, tax initiatives and fisheries matters.
Included in the negotiations will be discussions on the transfer of Bougainville Copper Limited shares to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
As well, the governments are expected to look at small-to-medium enterprise funding, transfer of powers, outstanding election matters, and the possibility of foreign missions establishing consults in Bougainville.
