www.bougainvillecopper.eu
19.07.2011
Source: Post-Courier
Central and South Bougainville to bury the past in island’s first peace ceremony involving two districts
By PETERSON TSERAHA
THE first ever inter-district reconciliation is now set, between central and South Bougainville, particularly Koianu in central and Oria in South.
The two areas share the border of central and south Bougainville on the east coast of the island, in which fierce fighting took place during the crisis.
Fear still grips them up to this day, especially mothers are not free to walk around even today.
The plans for the proposed reconciliation came about when the Central Bougainville parliamentary select committee carried out an awareness campaign in the Koianu area last month. Last week Tuesday, the committee went back to meet with the community up in Beresinau village.
The team was led again by chairman and member for Eivo/Torau Melchior Dare, and was made up of his deputy and member for South Nasioi John Ken, regional peace reconciliation and weapons disposal officer Jude Arriss, projects officer Dorcas Awasi and consultant for the peace office Aaron Peter, veterans officer Atua Tehana, Kieta District executive manager Lucy Traverts and the Koianu peace liaison officer Tony Bovora .
The delegation went in to assess the impact of the awareness and to meet with the Koianu peace committee.
Mr Ken stressed the importance of the reconciliation, and said he was happy with the initiative of the people of Koianu about their desire for lasting peace, especially with the people of Oria.
The whole Koianu community was present, including former combatants (veterans) peace stee-ring committee, women, chief youths and church elders.
The meeting was a success and was applauded by all who attended.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government was challenged by the Koianu peace steering committee chairman Moses Siparu to continue to support with funds.
The meeting resolved that both sides are ready for the long awaited peace for Koianu and Oria.
The next stage of the process will involve a meeting between the Koianu and Oria peace committees to work on cases to prepare both sides to get ready and both communities to prepare cultural obligations towards the peace and reconciliation.
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