The former Morobe governor Luther Wenge said if Bougainvilleans choose independence the relationship between the two neighbours won't change much.
In October Bougainvilleans are to vote in a non-binding referendum on whether to become independent or to have greater autonomy within PNG.
The final decision is to be made by the PNG parliament.
A number of MPs, including prime minister Peter O'Neill, have said they would not want Bougainville to leave PNG, but Mr Wenge told Don Wiseman he doesn't think it will affect the outcome.
Photo: manganganath/123RF
