16 Jun 2005

Australian government marks Bougainville inauguration

10:36 am on 16 June 2005

The Australian government has marked the formation of the new autonomous government in the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville.

The Australian foreign minister, Alexander Downer, has told parliament that the swearing-in of the autonomous government means the end of the Bougainville conflict.

Mr Downer has also recalled the role Australia had played in bringing peace to Bougainville, saying about 3,800 Australian Defence Force and civilian personnel have been involved with peace monitoring.