Support for referendum

THE cobalt blue flag of the Autonomous Bougainville Government flutters proudly over Suva, Fiji today.

It’s a symbol of the support of Pacific churches for the referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea.

The Pacific Conference of Churches has been involved since 1989 in the process to seek justice for the island.

Under Bishop Patelesio Finau, the PCC secured a space for Bougainville to address the United Nations at the height of a 10-year civil war which claimed 15,000 lives.

“Today we stand in solidarity with Bougainville once again and call upon all parties to carry out this process peacefully,” said PCC General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan.

Islanders can vote for independence or greater autonomy from PNG.

Based on the result, both governments will negotiate an outcome which will then be ratified by PNG’s parliament.

“We are encourage by the joyful, peaceful referendum process,” Bhagwan said.

“The Pacific churches pray for goodwill, wisdom and understanding as Bougainville and PNG contine on this journey of peace.”

Civil war erupted on Bougainville in 1989 over the copper rich Panguna mine.

A final peace agreement signed in 2001 led to an end to hosilities and a referendum on independence