‘We have sovereignty over B'ville, don’t interfere': Pato
05 October 2018
STAFF REPORTER | Niu FM Pacific Radio News
PORT MORESBY - Papua New Guinea's foreign minister Rimbink Pato has told the United Nations general assembly that international meddling in the upcoming Bougainville independence referendum won't be welcome.
He told the global leaders that PNG is keen for the referendum commission, which will be led by former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern, to begin its work.
But he says all stakeholders, while welcome in the work of the referendum, must not undermine PNG's sovereignty over Bougainville.
"We want to emphasise that the work of partnership, should in no way - and I repeat in no way - undermine the sovereignty of Papua New Guinea over its territory in accordance with international law."
The referendum Bougainville’s political future on will be held on 15 June next year.
Bougainville president John Momis and PNG prime minister Peter O’Neill will meet soon to determine the question that will be put to Bougainvilleans in the referendum.
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