8 Jun 2011

Bougainville president says Panguna talks should be held locally

6:41 pm on 8 June 2011

The President of the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville John Momis is insisting that any meetings to discuss a re-opening of the Panguna copper mine must be held in Bougainville.

According to the newspaper, the National, the head of the autonomous government is responding to a statement by Philip Miriori, who had claimed to be speaking for the so called Mekamui Tribal Government.

Mr Miriori invited the Autonomous Bougainville Government and other stakeholders to meet in Cairns in Australia to discuss unresolved issues about the mine.

But Mr Momis says while his government will support any talks on the Panguna mine, all meetings must be held locally so landowners and the people affected can be involved.