NEW DAWN ON BOUGAINVILLE

011019PM MARAPE SAYS COMPLETE THE PEACE PROCESS
NEW DAWN FM NEWS
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, JAMES MARAPE yesterday called on the people of Bougainville to complete the peace process as agreed by the leaders of Bougainville and PNG and allow the two governments discuss the way forward for the future of Bougainville which must be amicably acceptable to Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
Speaking to the crowd for more than Thirty minutes, he told the people about issues of unbalanced development that Waigani has been playing to many Provinces over the years and not just Bougainville.
He said the diversity of Papua New Guinea has continued to hold the country together for the last 44 years.
The Prime Minister said that since he took office, they have come to realize that many laws of this country must be changed to make sure landowners get maximum benefit from their resources, such as Oil, Gas, Gold, Copper, Cocoa Copra, Fisheries, Forestry etc etc.
He said that for Bougainville he has announced that all money raising powers must be all transferred to Bougainville to begin making monies for Bougainville.
Despite all these comments he stressed that he was just making a point and not trying to tell the people which way to vote in the referendum as this is the choice that only the people of Bougainville must make at this referendum.
PNG will support every step of the way to make sure the referendum is carried in a free, fair and a transparent manner.

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151019Punghau Opens Dialogue
New Dawn FM News.

Bougainvilleans must be prepared to embrace the challenges of the post referendum period as it goes through the transitionary phase.

ABG Minister for Bougainville Peace Agreement Implementation Albert Punghau made this statement when he officially opened the South Bougainville, Bougainville Post Referendum Dialogue in Buin Town today.

“There will be economic challenges, there will be social challenges and of course there will be political challenges as we negotiate with the National Government to navigate our way to deciding a final political solution for Bougainville,” Minister Punghau said.

“The post referendum period will not be an easy ride so I want to urge you all to be ready to face these challenges and stand firm,” Punghau added.

“We are a resilient and innovative people, when these challenges do arise we must stand up as leaders and lead our people, come up with decisions and solutions for these challenges and problems,” Punghau said.

“Remember after the referendum, everything hinges on us so we must unite as our President Grand Chief Dr John Momis has always reverberated,” Punghau said.

He said that the dialogue is an avenue to gauge the views of the leaders of South Bougainville and by working together Bougainville’s aspirations on self-determination will be realized.

The Minister also took the time to congratulate the South Bougainville veterans for their initiative in containing their weapons early this month.

The minister said that this commitment to the peace process and referendum preparedness was indeed their commitment to Bougainville and its people and lasting peace.

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151019BRC OPENS APPLICATION FOR POSTAL VOTING
NEW DAWN FM NEWS
The Bougainville Referendum Commission has opened applications for postal voting for those who can’t get to a polling place during the polling period.
Speaking in Buka the Acting Chief Referendum Officer, DESMOND TSIANAI said that the BRC is committed in ensuring full access to voting for all eligible voters through the SMS roll check and now the Postal voting services.
He said that the BRC is pleased to offer postal voting for those who cannot join us during the polling period.
Under the Organic law, Postal voting provides the flexibility for Bougainvilleans who may otherwise miss out on being able to vote said MR TSIANAI.
He said that the BRC wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in the referendum and this is for those people who would travelling on duty and would not be able to make it to a polling booth.

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151019South Bougainville Post Referendum Dialogue
New Dawn FM News

The second leg of the Bougainville Post Referendum Dialogue begun today for South Bougainville in Buin Town, Buin District.

ABG Member for South Bougainville Veterans Hon. Thomas Tari formally welcomed the participants of the dialogue and reminded them of its importance.

Mr Tari said that with the impending Referendum the people of South Bougainville should be aware of the choice they will make and what will come after.

He added that it is a very critical time for Bougainville as the people united to go to the polls in November this year.

He said that it was also very important that South Bougainvilleans were prepared for the challenges that will come during the post referendum period to avoid problems that might detract Bougainville’s journey to self-determination.

Mr Tari highlighted the need for the dialogue to garner the views of the people to ensure that the Autonomous Bougainville Government takes them onboard during the negotiations with the National Government.

Community Governments from all over South Bougainville were in attendance except for Torokina and Bana Districts who lacked representation at the dialogue due to logistical issues.

ABG Minister for Peace Agreement Implementation Albert Punghau revealed that a separate dialogue for the two districts will be organized to ensure the South Bougainville Dialogue is all inclusive.

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141019KUNES NOT HAPPY WITH HOLD UPS
NEW DAWN FM NEWS
A Buka businessman, PHILIP KUNES called on the people of Bougainville especially those who are disturbing ships operating in Bougainville waters to stop their illegal acts as this will only make Bougainville suffer if such services are withdrawn from Bougainville.
MR. KUNES said that the people of Bougainville are now looking forward to vote in the referendum that will determine the political future of this island and these illegal activities is not good for the region.
He called on those who know who is doing these acts to immediately report to Police so that the law will deal with them.
MR. KUNES said that genuine combatants have destroyed their weapons for Bougainville’s future and their fight for self-determination must not be compromised by these minorities actions.

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141019 BOUGAINVILLE CHURCHES TO PARTNER WITH VETERANS FOR PEACE
NEW DAWN FM NEWS
The former ABG member for SELAU and member of the Bougainville Christian Churches Association representing the SDA church, TERRY MOSE today called on the people of Bougainville not to believe comments made by Prophets of doom in PNG.
He told New Dawn FM that there will not be any uprising after conduct of the referendum as predicted as the people of Bougainville are united for the future of the island.
PASTOR MOSE said that the Bougainville Veterans are united and are working with the Bougainville Churches to make sure their people are united for this course.
He also said that the Churches will work with the Bougainville veterans to make sure the symbolic reconciliation is organized for the soldiers from both sides of the conflict to meet in Rabaul in preparation for the national reconciliation that will be held in Panguna later this year.
He said that it was proper for the former PM, RABBIE NAMALIU to reconcile with Bougainvilleans in Bougainville similar with what SIR JUILUS CHAN did in Buka in 2009.

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141019NATIONAL COURT GRANTS LEAVE FOR NOBETAU CASE
NEW DAWN FM NEWS
The National Court under Justice MIVIRI today granted application by the former Chief Secretary, JOSEPH NOBETAU for leave to seek judicial review of the decision made by the Bougainville Executive Council to terminate his employment as Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
This was revealed by MR. NOBETAU today stating that this was the first step in holding the Bougainville Political leadership to account for the decision that they made.
He said that in his decision, JUSTICE MIVIRI noted that there were serious issues to be tried not least of these is the clear non- compliance by the BEC with the relevant provisions of the Bougainville constitution.
This will be a matter that needs to be tested when the full judicial review application is made he said.

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141019 MEMBER FUNDS EMERGENCY ROAD MAINTENANCE
NEW DAWN FM NEWS

The member for North Bougainville, WILLIAM NAKIN has approved funding for the emergency maintenance of roads in North Bougainville.
These roads are the HALIA to HAKU road, the Lonahan to Gagan Road and the Siara to Koripovi road.
The CEO for the North Bougainville DDA, PETER SOHIA made these revelation when responding to calls made today by Buka businessman, PHILIP KUNES who complained on the Halia to Haku road which was very bad at the moment.
MR. KUNES called on the member to assist with the maintenance of the Haku and road and the Lonahan to Gagan road.
MR. SOHIA in response said that the member has approved 300 THOUSAND KINA for maintenance of the Halia to Haku road and also for the other two roads in North Bougainville.
He said that the DDA has approved EIGHT MILLION KINA that will be used in North Bougainville on roads and other development issues in North Bougainville.
MR. SOHIA said that he would provide further information to New Dawn FM tomorrow.
New Dawn FM understands that the FIVE YEARS DEVELOPMENT PLAN for North Bougainville was approved during the JSB meeting in Buka last month.

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111019POLICE GIVE ZERO TOLERENCE WARNING TO CRIMINALS
NEW DAWN FM NEWS

The Bougainville Police Service Northern Regional Commander, Chief Sergeant JOHN POPUI today warned criminals using guns to terrorise ships operating around Bougainville to stop these illegal activities because the law will catch up with them.
He told New Dawn FM this afternoon that Police were concerned and will not tolerate illegal activities using guns as weapons have been contained by former combatants throughout the region.
Commander POPUI said that the recent raid on the ship MV HURIS by some criminals could derail the process and Bougainville could go back to square one if such services are withdrawn from the island.
Commander POPUI also called on drivers on vehicles to make sure they adhere to speed limit in town streets.
He said that the recent hit and run of a man in Kokopau could have been avoided if the driver was not speeding around in town.
Meanwhile, the Police Minister, WILLIE MASIU last week called on the people still holding on to their weapons to surrender them to Police as anyone holding on to these weapons after all weapons containment is illegal and is now a Law and Order issue.

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111019BOUGAINVILLE GEARS FOR THE DIGICEL STARS AUDITION
NEW DAWN FM NEWS

Bougainville region is gearing up for the Digicel Stars audition that will be held between TEN AM and FOUR PM in Buka tomorrow.
The season one Digicel Stars audition will start in Buka tomorrow and will go to LAE, KIMBE, GOROKA and Port Moresby.
The audition is looking for talents in Magicians, singers, fire eaters, Dancers, Actors and Comedians.
According to the Digicel Stars audition member, MELANIE PAKE only two winners will be selected from Buka and all other four centres to enter the semi- final in Port Moresby after all five centres are completed.
The overall winner will win a brand New Nissan Patrol

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111019 DONOT AMMEND THE CONSTITUTION PLEASE SAYS WOMAN LEADER
NEWS DAWN FM NEWS
The call made by Justin Kungkei to amend the ABG constitution to allow the ABG President, DR.JOHN MOMIS contest the Presidential election for the 3rd parliament.
Currently the Constitution only allows the sitting President to stand for two Parliaments only.
The Chairlady for the South Nasioi Community Government. ISMENIA KATSIN made the statement during the Post Referendum dialogue in Arawa yesterday.
She said although the idea was good, making amendment to the constitution just to make the President contest the elections would weaken the constitution and also set a very bad precedent that can be made again by future governments.
MS KATSIN said that President Momis can be appointed to head the Bougainville negotiation team even though he has left the government.

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