The Charter of Mirigini
(25 November 1994)
For a New Bougainville
Preamble
We, the leaders of the National Government and the people of Bougainville, having met in Waigani, determined as partners to continue the peace process on Bougainville, commit ourselves under this Charter to a new spirit, a new deal for a new Bougainville.
In pursuance of the Resolution of the Bougainville Peace Conference held in Arawa from 10 - 14 October 1994, including the Agreement signed on 18 October 1994 between the North Nasioi Village Council of Chiefs and the National Government, hereby resolve to step up the pace and momentum of bringing normalcy, services and legal authority to Bougainville by doing the following:
Transitional Political Arrangement
Under this Charter, the National Government will, in the framework of the Constitution, its relevant acts and subject to the completion of preparatory work, arrange for the establishment of a transitional legal body.
The National Government has agreed with the Bougainville leaders to establish a transitional legal body by March 1995, for Bougainville. This body will be known as the Bougainville Transitional Government which shall exercise all powers and functions as set out in the Organic Law on Provincial Government.
The Bougainville Transitional Government will have an Assembly comprised of leaders nominated by the Councils of Chiefs from each interim authority area.
The Assembly of the Transitional Government will act as a Constituent Assembly to review the Constitution of the North Solomons Provincial Government after a negotiated settlement is reached between the National Government and the Bougainville Transitional Government.
Political Settlement
The National Government and Bougainville leaders hereby declare this Charter as their commitment to an active programme of consultations and negotiations on a political settlement and that the parties shall agree on a structured programme for these talks by 31 December 1994.
The leaders agree that the starting point for consultations and negotiations on a new deal for Bougainville is to review the Bougainville Agreement of 1976 at the next round of talks.
Other Dialogue
The National Government and Bougainville leaders will maintain dialogue on all other issues pertinent to the resolution of the crises, including a programme of reconciliation, reconstruction and restoration of services in Bougainville.
Declared at Waigani on the 25th day of November 1994.
SIGNED BY:
For National Government
Rt Hon Sir Julius CHAN, GCMG KBE MP
Prime Minister
Hon Arnold MARSIPAL, MP
Minister for State Assisting the Prime Minister
Hon Castan MAIBAWA, MP
Minister for Provincial Affairs and Village Services
For Bougainville Province
Mr Nick PENIAL
Chairman (South-West Interim Authority)
Mr Thomas ANIS
Buka Interim Authority
Mr Theodore MIRIUNG
Interim Chairman (North Nasioi Village Council of Chiefs)
Hon John MOMIS, MP
Regional Member of Bougainville and Minister for Communications
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