Radio New Zealand International

THE PRESIDENT OF THE AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE of Bougainville, John Momis, says his administration and the national government need to collaborate to properly implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Mr Momis has been petitioned by veterans of the civil war and accepts that parts of the agreement are not in place.

He said there is a need for a new approach and is confident of a lot of support from prime minister Peter O’Neill with whom he has been meeting this week.

Mr Momis said a key factor has been Port Moresby’s failure to provide the constitutionally allowed funding.

Late yesterday prime minister Peter O’Neill assured the people of Bougainville that his administration is ready to help the autonomous provincial government achieves its development aims over the next five years with grants totaling $US250 million.

To back up his words PNG gave the Bougainville government a cheque for K100 million.

Mr O’Neill says it will help Bougainville grow its economy so it can successfully implement the autonomous arrangements entered into under the Peace Agreement.