Bougainville Sets 2027 Deadline For Independence From Papua New Guinea
Faizan Hashmi Published July 06, 2021 | 03:10 PM
Wabag, Papua New Guinea, July 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jul, 2021 ) :Bougainville's leaders set a deadline of 2027 to gain full independence from Papua New Guinea Tuesday during talks on the future of the once-wartorn Melanesian island.
A resounding 97.7 percent of Bougainvilleans voted to secede from Papua New Guinea and become the world's youngest nation in a 2019 referendum.
The poll capped a 2001 peace agreement that followed a decade-long war between Bougainville rebels, Papua New Guinea security forces and foreign mercenaries that left up to 20,000 people dead.
Papua New Guinea's government has accepted the result, despite concerns that Bougainville's departure could cause the ethnically and linguistically diverse country to fracture.
But it has so far refused to commit to full independence.
Rebel commander turned Bougainville president Ishmael Toroama and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape held talks in the Highlands town of Wabag on Tuesday to try to agree to a way forward.
The pair agreed to a timetable for handing many powers to Bougainville authorities by 2023, amending Papua New Guinea's constitution and drafting a new Bougainville constitution, according to documents seen by AFP.
The process would culminate in 2027, when Bougainville would "assume all or any sovereign powers" and would issue a "declaration of independence".
But there appeared to be no agreement on whether that would mean fully fledged independence or a form of self-governance.
Many Pacific Island nations have "associated state" agreements with regional powers that blur the usual lines of sovereignty -- ceding control over issues such as defence and foreign policy.
Toroama insisted that independence has to be more than symbolic.
"The message is clear -- this long journey must end sooner rather than later," he said, adding that Bougainville must become a country "no later than 2027".
Marape had pushed for a slower timetable, insisting "this process cannot be rushed. The future of our nation is at stake." "My job is to ensure that the rest of the country remains united." Papua New Guinea's parliament will have the ultimate say on whether to ratify Bougainville's vote, and it remains unclear if the 111 members will block independence.
"There is nothing to fear from an independent Bougainville," Toroama told them Tuesday.
"While Bougainville will have new national symbols and a new international border, Bougainville will still be a Melanesian brother."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 7 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 07 May 2024
Sharjah Animation Conference explores cross-cultural collaboration opportunities ..
Sharjah Public Library provides countless opportunities for young imaginations t ..
Sharjah Police launches 'Your belongings, your responsibility' awareness campaig ..
Dubai Police displays Innovative Tourism Security Services at 'ATM 2024'
Mohammad Haris, Aamir Jamal not part of national squad for Ireland, England: Bab ..
Erdogan opens former church to Muslim worshippers
Cultural events hallmark of a nation, Director RAC
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism': security, health sources
Stocks rise on renewed hopes of rate cuts
PM assures all-out support to Saudi investment
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
2 days ago -
Land degradation: A threat to food security
2 days ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
2 days ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
3 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
4 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
6 days ago
-
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
6 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
9 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
9 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
9 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
10 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
11 days ago