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http://bougainville.typepad.com/newdawn/2009/04/...es-says-tanis.html
Time to rebuild our island from the ashes says Tanis
By Aloysius Laukai
I have just returned from Panguna and the Kieta district where the last of the so called original Mekamui have agreed to join the peace process at the latest meeting in Arawa with the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, James Tanis.
At the meeting, Mekamui Commander Chris Uma and his senior leaders agreed to work with the Government. They asked the ABG to accommodate their group under the chief system adopted under the Bougainville Constitution. This paved the way for further discussion between the two parties.
The group were the original Mekamui established by former President the late Francis Ona which had dissociated themselves from other Mekamui movements in parts of Central and South Bougainville.
The meeting with the ABG delegation was the first to be held openly with the media also covered everything including presentations.
ABG president James Tanis praised the Mekamui for their support and called on all Bougainvilleans to support the Bougainville leaders.
He said Bougainville must now rise from the ashes and rebuild the entire island.
He said the move by the remaining Mekamui group has now removed all obstacles that have been blocking the development of Bougainville because of factional uncertainties.
The ABG President declared 2009 as the year of resurrection of Bougainville.
Mr Tanis has now travelled to Port Moresby to accompany Michael Somare on a visit to the Republic of China. They leave Port Moresby on Thursday.
Photo: President James Tanis (left) with Vice President Exekiel Masat and Communication Minister Robert Hamal Sawa about to board the flight to Port Moresby [Aloysius Laukai]
http://bougainville.typepad.com/newdawn/2009/04/...es-says-tanis.html
Time to rebuild our island from the ashes says Tanis
By Aloysius Laukai
I have just returned from Panguna and the Kieta district where the last of the so called original Mekamui have agreed to join the peace process at the latest meeting in Arawa with the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, James Tanis.
At the meeting, Mekamui Commander Chris Uma and his senior leaders agreed to work with the Government. They asked the ABG to accommodate their group under the chief system adopted under the Bougainville Constitution. This paved the way for further discussion between the two parties.
The group were the original Mekamui established by former President the late Francis Ona which had dissociated themselves from other Mekamui movements in parts of Central and South Bougainville.
The meeting with the ABG delegation was the first to be held openly with the media also covered everything including presentations.
ABG president James Tanis praised the Mekamui for their support and called on all Bougainvilleans to support the Bougainville leaders.
He said Bougainville must now rise from the ashes and rebuild the entire island.
He said the move by the remaining Mekamui group has now removed all obstacles that have been blocking the development of Bougainville because of factional uncertainties.
The ABG President declared 2009 as the year of resurrection of Bougainville.
Mr Tanis has now travelled to Port Moresby to accompany Michael Somare on a visit to the Republic of China. They leave Port Moresby on Thursday.
Photo: President James Tanis (left) with Vice President Exekiel Masat and Communication Minister Robert Hamal Sawa about to board the flight to Port Moresby [Aloysius Laukai]