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Joint Statement by the Prime Minister and the President on the JSB meeting outcomes

The Prime Minister James Marape and President Ishmael Toroama as Co-chairs to the Joint Supervisory Body, today announced their joint endorsement of the amended Terms of Reference for the Moderator, Sir Jerry Mataparae, who will support the two governments in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s political future.

The leaders jointly endorsed Sir Jerry’s scope of work to be broad and be as flexible as is required to assist the two Governments in jointly addressing the outstanding substantive issues about the future political status of Bougainville.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes and achieving consensus through dialogue as is the Melanesian Way – emphasizing goodwill, respect and mutual understanding.

The amended Terms of Reference outlines the Moderator’s mandate to support both governments in addressing the impasse and achieving critical objectives, including:

  • Sessional Orders: Facilitating consensus on the sessional orders to bring the 2019 Referendum results to the National Parliament for ratification;
  • Joint Consultation Report: Overseeing the preparation and endorsement of a joint report as required under Section 342(1) of the National Constitution;
  • Joint Key Messaging: Assisting the Bi-Partisan Committee on Bougainville to deliver unified messages to the Members of Parliament to ensure a shared understanding of the referendum's outcome and next steps.

The Moderator is entrusted to maintain neutrality, engage with both governments, and leverage international expertise to ensure adherence to the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement. Part 14 of the National Constitution and the Organic Law on Peacebuilding in Bougainville, towards settlement of Bougainville’s political future.

The Moderator’s work will be supported by an independent secretariat and technical team, with logistical backing provided by the United Nations. The engagement is set to conclude before the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government General Elections, emphasizing the urgency and importance of Moderator’s tasks.

The leaders acknowledged the challenges and progress made in Bougainville’s political process thus far, and reiterated their firm belief that this approach will continue to hold the two governments in good stead as a means to finding a lasting peaceful solution for Bougainville.

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