Bougainville and Papua New Guinea have made some forward steps in their negotiations over the independence referendum
You may remember that referendum in November 2019 asked Bougainvilleans to choose between greater autonomy or independence from PNG, and 97.7 percent of the people who voted chose independence.
Now the outcome of the non-binding referendum is subject to ratification by PNG's parliament, but first a series of consultations about how to proceed with the result, involving both Bougainville and PNG governments, is taking place.
Don Wiseman has been following what has come out of the recent inter-government talks in Wabag in Enga Province, and he joins us now.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama arrives with his delegation for talks with Papua New Guinea's government in Kokopo, East New Britain, 16 May 2021. Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government
