Third Joint Moderation Consultation meeting underway in Burnham, New Zealand
The Third Joint Moderation Consultation Meeting between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the National Government of Papua New Guinea officially commenced yesterday in Burnham, New Zealand.
The engagement began with leaders from both sides participating in the sharing of betel nut (buai) — a significant cultural practice in Papua New Guinea custom representing mutual respect and the commitment to enter open and honest dialogue.
The official opening of the meeting was conducted by Moderator Sir Jerry Mataparae, who reflected on the significance of the conference venue, Bel Isi. The venue’s name pays homage to the truce and peace monitoring missions that followed the historic Burnham 1, Burnham 2, and Lincoln Talks.
“I think it is a fitting place for us to hold these consultation talks,” Sir Jerry said.
ABG President H.E. Ishmael Toroama in his address to the meeting, reaffirmed that the only issue for these consultations remains the implementation of the referendum result on Bougainville’s independence.
President Toroama also expressed the ABG’s concern over attempts within the moderation process to introduce alternative governance models such as free association and federated states.
“Bougainville will not accept any other options or models apart from the defined definition of independence in the referendum,” President Toroama firmly stated.
Opening statements from the National Government were delivered by Hon. Manasseh Makiba, Minister for Bougainville Affairs, followed by remarks from several national parliamentarians including Hon. Pila Niningi, Minister for Justice and Attorney General and Dr. Allan Marat, Chairman of the National Parliament Bipartisan Committee on Bougainville.
Prime Minister James Marape, who has described the Bougainville issue as one of national importance, made only a brief appearance in New Zealand on Saturday evening before departing for another engagement. In his absence, Minister Makiba and the national government’s technical team led the discussions from the National Government side.
A significant development in this moderation meeting is that for the first time, both parties have begun to speak openly and honestly on key substantive issues relating to Bougainville’s independence, marking a notable break-through in the moderation talks.
President Toroama highlighted this in his address, emphasizing the historic significance of Burnham and its relation to the peace process on Bougainville.
“We want to find meaning in this moderation process in Burnham. The people of Bougainville are hoping for finality — they have high expectations that Burnham will finally provide the roadmap to Bougainville’s independence,” President Toroama said.
The consultations continued today with technical working sessions, where both governments’ technical teams deliberated on outstanding matters. It is anticipated that an agreed document is to be produced and finalized by the conclusion of the meeting at the end of the week.
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