23 Aug 2017

New PNG minister focused on Bougainville peace deal

From , 3:02 pm on 23 August 2017

The newly appointed Papua New Guinea Minister of Bougainville Affairs says he's focused on ensuring the Peace Agreement is properly implemented.

First time MP, Father Simon Dumarinu, was put in the new Peter O'Neill cabinet earlier this month.

The Bougainville Peace Agreement, which was signed in 2001, is due to reach its conclusion in June 2019, with a referendum on possible independence from PNG.

The autonomous Bougainville government has complained for years about the PNG government dragging its feet over putting up the funding it is obliged to give under the agreement.

Minister of Bougainville Affairs, Simon Dumarinu

Minister of Bougainville Affairs, Simon Dumarinu Photo: Sunday Chronicle