Memorandum of Understanding

(4 June 1996)

The Prime Minister and the Leader of the National Government delegation, the Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan, GCMG, KBE, MP and the Premier and Leader of the Bougainville Transitional Government delegation, Mr. Theodore Miriung, having met at the Mirigini House, Port Moresby on the Fourth (4th) June, 1996 and:

• IN FURTHER PURSUIT of the Mirigini Charter and its implementation as determined in the Waigani Communique which they signed on 18 May 1995.
• DETERMINED to maintain the process of peace, reconciliation and reconstruction on Bougainville, including the impetus created to date.
• HAVING HELD extensive discussions, reached the following understanding:

1. TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BTG

It was requested by Premier Theodore Miriung that the current term of the Bougainville Transitional Government be extended beyond the 1997 National Elections.

The Prime Minister appreciates the specific commitments relating to Bougainville and commits the National Government to do its best endeavour to pass amendments to the Organic Law on provincial Governments and local level governments to affect the above.

It was further agreed that the process be initiated as soon as possible and concluded by the sixteenth (16th) day of June 1996. The officials of the National Government and the BTG have been mandated to immediately work on the details.

2. AUTONOMY

Whilst acknowledging the complexities of any discussion on the granting of some degree of autonomy for Bougainville, both parties agreed to deliberate further on the level and scope of autonomy for Bougainville. The Details are to be worked out by officials from both sides later on.

3. LOCAL LEVEL GOVERNMENT

Both parties agreed that a system of local level government be established as soon as possible to facilitate the process of normalization on Bougainville.

4. FUNDING

Whilst acknowledging past difficulties on drawing down funds allocated for Bougainville and the BTG, both parties agreed to work within the current arrangement to facilitate a prompt release of funds earmarked for Bougainville.

Signed at Mirigini State House on the fourth day of June 1996.

SIGNED BY:

Julius CHAN
Prime Minister
Papua New Guinea

Theodore MIRIUNG
Premier
Bougainville Transitional Government

WITNESSED BY:

W. Noel LEVI
Secretary

James TOGEL
Member
Bougainville Transitional Government

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