The Papua New Guinea MP for Central Bougainville, Sam Akoitai says plans are underway to try and recover more than 200 weapons stolen from United Nations storage containers on the province.
Mr Akoitai says ex-combatant leaders are working to recover the stolen firearms because of fears that the thefts will derail the Peace process and ruin the province's chance of autonomy.
There have been reports of a ex-combatants being frustrated by Bougainville's poor social services and the lack of funds available to pay them compensation.
Mr Akoitai says work is underway to try and recover the stolen weapons.
"IN:......the ex-combatants have taken upon themselves to actually do the weapons disposal with the UN. I hope that these incidencies are not used for derailing the peace process on Bouganville. There is now involvement of ex-combatants and leaders to try and secure those weapons back into the containers."
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Sam Akoitai.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Intergovernment relations, Sir Peter Barter has called on Bougainville leaders and ex-combatants to redouble their effort so ensure the continuation of the weapons disposal programme.
The completion of the programme must be approved by the UN before the province can hold elections for an autonomous government
