25 Apr 2006

Bougainville leader says mining company offers grant

11:52 am on 25 April 2006

The Autonomous Bougainville Government in Papua New Guinea says there are no strings attached to millions of dollars being given by a Canadian mining company.

The ABG is to get 6.7 million US dollars from Invincible Resources Corporation from early next month.

The ABG President, Joseph Kabui says the money will only be paid back if the province agrees to resume mining.

He says it will be spent in a range of ways, including building capacity.

"Roads, manpower, perhaps some of the money will go to helping with the reconciliations. Perhaps, you know, we could use some of the money to help the former combatants, because right now these are the demands that are coming from our people."