SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES REPORTED SUCCESSFUL TALKS BETWEEN PAPUANEW GUINEA GOVERNMENT AND BOUGAINVILLE LEADERS

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES REPORTED SUCCESSFUL TALKS BETWEEN PAPUA

NEW GUINEA GOVERNMENT AND BOUGAINVILLE LEADERS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes warmly the reported successful conclusion of political talks between the national government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville leaders.  The agreement reached on 22 June encompasses a future autonomous status for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, and other related issues, and is a very important step forward in the peace process.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the parties for their determined efforts to resolve very complex issues through dialogue and compromise.

The Secretary-General is satisfied that the United Nations, through its Political Office in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, was able to play a useful role in assisting the parties in reaching this agreement which, in his view, is a significant step towards reconciliation and durable peace.  He hopes that the National Executive Council of Papua New Guinea will consider the agreement speedily so that the corresponding follow-up action can begin to be taken.

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