PNG and Bougainville JSB meeting going ahead this week

3:06 pm on 24 November 2020

The President of Bougainville said he's been assured the planned meeting with the Papua New Guinea Government will go ahead this week.

There had been concerns the political instability in Port Moresby would disrupt the meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body, or JSB.

But Ishmael Toroama says it's on, but not in East New Britain, as originally planned.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama Photo: supplied

"It will be going ahead because we have confirmation from the Prime Minister that we will have the meeting in Port Moresby."

Toroama said meetings will actually begin today when the technical team preparing for the consultations on the referendum negotiations will convene.

In a preliminary meeting between both governments, early this month, it was agreed that former Irish Prime Minster, Bertie Ahern, would moderate the negotiations.

The JSB proper will be held on Friday.