The United Nations representative on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville, Noel Sinclair, says the peace process will be at risk if law and order problems are allowed to continue.
The Post Courier quotes Mr Sinclair as saying law and order in Bougainville is precarious and the current situation runs the risk of slowing the peace process.
Mr Sinclair says the weapons disposal program was progressing well but he says there are still a few young men running around with guns.
The UN is to approve the disposal of weapons held by former militants in line with the peace agreement signed last year to end the civil war.
Mr Sinclair says they are at a very critical stage and he doesn't want to give the impression that Bougainville is not safe.
