18 Jun 2007

Retiring PNG cabinet minister praises people of Bougainville

10:52 am on 18 June 2007

Papua New Guinea's retiring Minister for Bougainville, Sir Peter Barter, says in a statement to mark the second aqnniversary of the Autonomous Bougainvlle Governmentthat the peace process in the province still has some way to go.

Sir Peter says people in Central and South Bougainville are only too well aware of the need for further reconciliation in order to build the security and mutual confidence on which peace depends.

He says peace was made as a result of the deep commitment by peace-loving women and men around Bougainville, and the active support of similarly peace-loving people throughout Papua New Guinea.

Sir Peter also acknowledged the support of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu the four countries which contributed to the Truce and Peace Monitoring Groups and the Bougainville Transition Team