Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat says Papua New Guinea MPs need to be reminded of the Melanesian Framework in order to make good decisions on the political future of Bougainville.
Marat said this was the transition period and if MPs were to vote in favour of the 97.7 percent referendum results, then it had to be based on Section 342, subsection two.
Marat based his debate in parliament last Friday on the Melanesian Framework’s clause six highlighting the future relationship arrangements post-independence:
6.1 – The governments of Bougainville and PNG affirm that the pathway provided for in its framework is intended not only to give effect to the referendum result, but also to secure an enduring peaceful relationship between PNG and Bougainville;
6.2 – The future relationship shall be guided by the principles of mutual respect, good faith, peaceful cooperation, non-interference, shared responsibility and recognition of historical, cultural, family, economic and geographic ties that bind the people of PNG and Bougainville;
6.3 – Future relationship arrangements may include, as appropriate, agreed mechanisms for cooperation in areas of common interest;
6.4 – The arrangements shall be developed progressively, alongside the phased transfer, delegation or assumption of powers and shall be designed to support stability, predictability and continuity during the transition;
6.5 – The governments may establish joint or reciprocal mechanisms, including agreements, protocols, liaison arrangements, technical committees or other instruments to manage areas of mutual responsibility;
6.6 – Nothing in these future relationship arrangements shall diminish the agreed pathway towards Bougainville’s assumptions of sovereign powers. Rather, such arrangements shall provide the basis for a cooperative and enduring Melanesian framework relationship between two closely connected peoples and governments; and,
6.7 – The detailed content, legal form and timing of these arrangements shall be developed through further consultations between the two governments and where required, submitted for appropriate constitutional, parliamentary or legislative consideration.
“So why are we arguing the 97.7 percent vote? We will all be here now and gone tomorrow and who are we to judge Bougainvillean’s abilities,” he said.
