Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to negotiate independence talks

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville are planning more meetings to discuss Bougainville's desire for independence. The talks are set to continue before a June deadline. Leaders from PNG and Bougainville have been meeting in Port Moresby. Former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mataparae is moderating these discussions. A key issue is how to present the results of the 2019 Bougainville referendum to the PNG parliament. The referendum showed strong support for independence, but PNG wants an absolute majority of MPs to agree before discussing it. In contrast, Bougainville argues that a simple majority should be sufficient. Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has proposed finding a solution outside of parliament. However, PNG Prime Minister James Marape has raised concerns. He questions whether Bougainville is ready for independence, pointing out issues like remaining weapons in the community and a weak local economy. Sources say the parties have shared their positions, and more meetings will occur to make decisions. One of these meetings may take place in Burnham, New Zealand. Notably, discussions in Burnham back in 1997 helped end a long civil war in Bougainville. Bougainville is planning its elections for September, with important deadlines in June. Leaders there have indicated they want independence by September 1, 2027.