The Governor of the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville says approval of a constitution for an autonomous Bougainville is a Christmas gift to its people.
After lengthy discussions, the constitution has cleared the final hurdle -- Cabinet approval in Port Moresby -- and elections are to take place on Bougainville within six months.
The PNG Governor-General is expected to put his signature to the constitution any day.
The Governor of Bougainville, John Momis, says it paves the way for the establishment of a nation within a nation, and Bougainville residents are very grateful to the national Government.
"The people, when they hear of this, will celebrate, and so they should. I think they should be given credit for their resilience, their commitment and endurance to engage the national government in what I would consider one of the most creative engagements -- political engagements -- in finding a peaceful solution to a major problem."
Governor John Momis.