16 Dec 2004

Governor says Bougainville constitution a Christmas gift

2:36 pm on 16 December 2004

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.