ABG-PNG joint consultations

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, and Vice President, Ezekiel Masatt, are leading a delegation to East New Britain Province to hold discussions with the National Government technical team on the Melanesian Relationship Agreement.

The Bougainville delegation arrived at Tokua Airport on Saturday and was welcomed by Governor Michael Marum and Provincial Administrator Levi Mano.

The Melanesian Framework will be deliberated on in these discussions.

This will suggest the future relationship between Bougainville and mainland Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape suggested last week after-ratification options that if Parliament votes yes for Bougainville's independence, there will be a phased transition into self-government and independence in 15 years.

If Parliament votes otherwise, the referendum result would remain alive, giving Bougainville another 15 years to prove its readines before the referendum results return to Parliament for another decision.

Bougainville Vice President Ezekiel Masatt says, President Toroama will present Bougainville's final position in the consultations.

While that position will mirror some of the Prime Minister's proposals, Masatt stressed that it will not follow a long-term or the 15-year timeline.