BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
The Vice President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Raymond Masono has expressed disgust at the action of those calling themselves hardliners that recently prevented the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The signing scheduled for the 16th of June 2017 was to be done between the ABG, Panguna Mine Affected Landowners (PMAL) and other stakeholders.
Mr Masono said the signing would have started the process of removing impediments to reopening the Panguna mine but the ABG team was prevented from travelling to Panguna for the signing by a group opposed to the reopening of the mine and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL’s).
“Bougainville is probably one of a few places in this country where individuals or groups disagreeing with a particular government policy can stop a legitimate governments from carrying out its mandated duties for the common good of its citizens,” said Masono.
He said this does not auger well for good governance, the rule of law and respect for lawful authority, that are important benchmarks in the ratification outcome of the referendum by the National Government and the international community who are watching our every actions.