Matakana & Okataina Understanding
(22 April 1999)
The Government of Papua New Guinea, the Bougainville Constituent Assembly, the Bougainville Resistance Forces, the Leitana Council of Elders, the four Bougainville Members of the National Parliament and other Bougainvillean Leaders (the 'parties'), having met in New Zealand, have agreed as follows:
1. All of the parties remain committed to securing lasting peace by peaceful means through implementation of both the letter and the spirit of the Lincoln Agreement. We pledge ourselves to maintain the permanent and irrevocable ceasefire as we work our way towards a negotiated political settlement of Bougainville's long-term political future.
Preparing future arrangements for government on Bougainville
2. Bearing in mind the need to look beyond the immediate situation, the parties agree that the Special State Negotiator will prepare a package of proposals on the powers, functions, structure and status of Bougainville's government, geared to Bougainville's needs.
- All individuals and groups in Bougainville will be given the opportunity to make written submissions to the Special State Negotiator.
- We request that the technical officers of the Bougainvillean parties meet as soon as possible to prepare for discussions on future arrangements for government on Bougainville, including discussions on other related matters raised in this document.
3. We agree that political Leaders will meet to discuss the package as soon as possible, and no later than 30 June 1999.
- We all agree to use the package as a basis for our discussions.
- All parties agree that Bougainville needs united political leadership. We commit ourselves to work to make such leadership possible.
Leadership issue
4. The parties note the commitment made by the National Government that, if Bougainvillean leaders reach agreement, then it is willing to consider lifting the suspension on the Bougainville Provincial Government in accordance with law.
5. The Minister for State will work jointly with other Bougainvillean Members of the National Parliament (MPs) in exercising his executive powers and functions in Bougainville; the MPs should consult immediately about how they will work together and try to resolve any differences.
6. The parties note that the Basic Agreement makes clear that the National Government will only act on advice that is broadly representative of the people of Bougainville. (The Bougainvillean parties will have to arrive at inclusive arrangements which allow the heads of local-level institutions to be fairly represented and participate.)
7. The selection processes currently underway can go ahead.
8. The Bougainvillean parties will consult with a view to organizing themselves to participate in achieving a progressive political settlement.
9. While participants in the peace process are entitled to select their leaders in their own ways, we recognize that there must be proper elections when the agreed package for Bougainville comes into effect, and request the Electoral Commission to begin preliminary work for such elections.
10. The parties will cooperate in explaining and publicizing their agreement regarding elections to the people.
11. All of the parties agree to refrain from making divisive statements while the package is under negotiation.
Weapons disposal
12. Weapons disposal should begin immediately.
- The Peace Process Consultative Committee (PPCC) should convene immediately and discuss detailed plans for weapons disposal.
- New Zealand will be asked to assist and facilitate the weapons disposal process.
- The current United Nations observer mission will be asked to be present and observe the process.
National political support
13. recognizing that only the National Government can provide the lawful basis for any future governmental arrangements, we request all Members of Parliament to listen to the views of the people of Bougainville and to cooperate on a bipartisan basis and the National Government mutually agrees to consult meaningfully with the four Bougainvillean National Parliamentarians.
Representative body to plan and manage reconstruction
14. The National Government will prepare proposals for legislation to establish an authority containing representatives of all major groups to plan and manage major reconstruction activities in meaningful consultation with the four Bougainvillean National Parliamentarians.
Appreciation of New Zealand, and future meetings
15. We are grateful for the support that our New Zealand hosts and other governments in the region give us in working for peace, but recognize that the responsibility for consolidating and building on what we have achieved is ours; from now on we must make sure that we meet as required and, for purposes of transparency and accountability, that we do so in Bougainville or some other part of Papua New Guinea.
Implementation of existing Agreements
16. As part of our shared commitment to the mutual confidence-building on which the peace process is based, the parties reaffirm the agreement made in the Lincoln and Ceasefire Agreements for the PPCC to develop detailed plans for phased withdrawal of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Mobile Riot Squad from Bougainville subject to restoration of civil authority.
Done at Lake Okataina, New Zealand, this 22nd day of April 1999.
SIGNED BY:
Honourable Sir John R. KAPUTIN, KBE, CMG, MP
Special State Negotiator
Papua New Guinea Government
Honourable Sam AKOITAI, MP
Minister for State
Papua New Guinea Government
Joseph KABUI
Co-Chairman
Bougainville Constituent Assembly
Honourable John L. MOMIS, MP
Member for Bougainville Region
Gerard SINATO
Co-Chairman
Bougainville Constituent Assembly
Honourable Michael OGIO, MP
Member for North Bougainville
Deputy Speaker
Papua New Guinea National Parliament
Joel BANAM
Chairman
Leitana Council of Elders
Honourable Michael Laimo, MP
Member for Bougainville South
Hilary MASIRIA
Chairman
Bougainville Resistance Forces
WITNESSED BY:
Sir Paul REEVES, GCMG, GCVO, CF, QSO
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