Media Statement from the Office of the Vice President
Today’s revelations in the Parliament were disappointing to say the least.
Of great concern was the ratification voting threshold of 3/4 percentage, unilaterally crafted by the National Speaker and endorsed by the NEC.
A constitutional amendment requires 2/3 majority. They just made it hard with a 3/4 majority.
Like the debacle last week Tuesday, today’s events confirms that there is a National Government Strategy to poison the waters and make it impossible to come close to reach the voting threshold.
The National Government Strategy now reduces MA Framework to nothing but an academic exercise.
The MA Framework was doomed to fail if not earlier, then definitely now. I question the Bougainville MP Ministers sitting in the NEC Meeting - what’s going through your mind? Do you see what we on the outside see?
This means your colourful statements were nothing but smokescreen and diversions for the ultimate National Government position not to grant Independence.
But let me repeat President’s words, “BOUGAINVILLE INDEPENDENCE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE”
ABG will continue to participate in the negotiations in good faith going forward, despite the attempts to poison the MA and Ratification process.
In the next round of discussions set for late this month; ABG will present the FINAL BOUGAINVILLE POSITION. The National Government can accept it or reject it.
Bougainville MPs can make their lifetime career choices whether or not to support the Bougainville Position.
The Prime Minister's proposal to ratify on the anniversary of the BPA now takes on the appearance of a sick joke, disrespecting the lives of those lost before, during and after the crisis.
Hon. EZEKIEL MASATT
Vice President & Member for Tonsu Constituency
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