Endeavour Accord

(5 August 1990)

On Dialogue and Return of Services to Bougainville

A delegation of the National Government, led by the Right Honourable Sir Michael Somare, GCMG, MP, held broad-ranging talks with a delegation of Bougainville, led by Mr. Joseph Kabui, from the 29th July to the 5th August 1990 outside Kieta Harbour, aboard Her Majesty's New Zealand ship, Endeavour.

International observers from Canada, Vanuatu and New Zealand were present at the talks.

The two delegations welcomed the opportunity for face-to-face dialogue, and agreed that this process should continue.

They agreed that the long-term political status of Bougainville is to be addressed as part of the continuing dialogue.

Meanwhile all political declarations with respect to that future status are deferred.

The National Government delegation confirmed that at the earliest opportunity it would take all practical steps consistent with the Constitution of Papua New Guinea to bring about the return of services to Bougainville.

Such restoration of services would be done without force. But should personnel responsible for restoring services be interfered with, the Government of Papua New Guinea reserves the right to withdraw services where such interference occurs.

The return of services, particularly health, education and communications are accepted as a matter of urgent priority.

The two delegations agreed that in order for services to be restored on Bougainville, the security of personnel must be fully safeguarded.

The Government of Papua New Guinea will consult regularly with the present Bougainville delegation on the restoration of services.

The two delegations agreed on the desirability of the full participation of Bougainvilleans in future security arrangements on Bougainville.

The two delegations thanked the Government of New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Navy for their generous assistance in making a venue and support facilities available for the talks.

The two delegations also thanked the observers for their cooperation.

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