Bougainville leaders are still confident of completing the weapons disposal programme on the Papua New Guinea island despite rising tension between ex-combatants and followers of separatist leader, Francis Ona.
Joseph Kabui of the Bougainville People's Congress says ex-combatants have been cooperative in giving up their firearms despite last week's shootout between Francis Ona's supporters and ex-BRA members which left one person dead.
Reports say the BRA commander, Ishmael Toroama, wrote to Francis Ona giving him and his Mekamui Defence Force two months to disarm.
Mr Kabui says the incident has not derailed the peace process.
"The people power in the end is going to have the final say. Though the weapons containment is going to be affected by the incident that has taken place. I know every day there is continued realisation taking place from people that the peace process is the only way to end the Bougainville conflict once and for all."
Joseph Kabui
