AROB’s peace process moves on
Quelle: Post Courier, 15.2.2013
THE launching of the Panguna Peace Building Strategy is another milestone achievement towards bringing peace and normalcy in the Panguna area and Bougainville as a whole. That’s the view of the President of the Me’ekamui Government of Unity Philip Miriori.
Mr Miriori, while giving his speech on Tuesday confessed that it was not an easy task trying to bring back peace at Panguna. He said this process dates back to 2007 with the signing of the Panguna Communiqué between the ABG and the Me’ekamui Government of Unity. This understanding had paved the way for the establishment of the Panguna district administration.
Mr Miriori, who took over from the late Francis Ona as the Me’ekamui leader, then asked everyone to work together towards bringing everlasting peace on the island.
"Crisis had started here in Panguna. And apart from all the damage that have been done, we must show a positive development with our journey for peace. Peace does not belong to us, but has been given to us by God. And we must respect one another, Mr Miriori said.
Mr Miriori then appealed for support from the Panguna community to support this program in bringing back peace in their communities.
Mr Miriori also bluntly told the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to PNG Ian Kermish, who was also present, that the Australian Government had played a part in the outbreak of the crisis. But on a positive note, Mr Miriori thanked Mr Kermish and the Australian Government for all the support that has been given to Bougainville.
He however urged the Australian Government to increase its funding to Bougainville, saying what they are currently funding is not enough compared to the developments brought by the Panguna mine during its operational days.
"This Panguna Mine had generated more money for PNG. It had also guaranteed PNG’s independence. And Australia and PNG, they have to give more to compensate this pit.
"When we want to talk about the reopening of the Panguna mine, we must also look at the damages that have been done in the past. We must not only look at reopening this mine because more damages will happen again if we reopen it. This is our concern. We must look carefully, compensate those who lost their lives and the properties that were destroyed.
Mr Miriori also assured Mr Kermish that his people do not have any grudges or hatred towards Australia.
"But this damage is between the PNG Government and the Australian Government."
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