Bougainville hopeful ahead of Burnham talks

Bougainville’s Attorney General and Justice and Independence Mission Implementation Minister, Ezekiel Masatt, is optimistic the third round of moderated talks between the National Government and the ABG, will find some middle ground on issues which remain sticking points between the two parties.

The third moderated consultation will be held in Burnham New Zealand next week.

Among issues which remain outstanding is the timing for independence and the type of relationship Bougainville and Papua New Guinea would eventually share if and when independence does take effect.

From earlier consultations between the two governments, it is apparent that while Papua New Guinea MAY NOT be against the idea of Bougainville’s independence, it still feels the timing may not be right just yet.

Ezekiel Masatt told the ABC Radio Australia’s Wantok Program that the Bougainville team is hopeful the Burnham talks will come away with some good take-aways, especially on these outstanding issues.