ARB moves on reconciliation
By JOSEPH MOROKANA
THE recent handover of the remains of the former South Bougainville MP, the late Anthony Anugu, by the people of Panguna to his children in Siwai, signifies a major step towards peace and unity in Bougainville. The remains of the late Anugu, was finally exhumed and handed over to his children by the Panguna people–showing a positive step in the reconciliation process, one of the five key areas the ABG is embarking on. The other key areas are weapons disposal, good governance, referendum and autonomy. The late Anthony Anugu was taken hostage by members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) in 1990 after a meeting with national government authorities in Honiara, that was intended, amongst other issues, for the return of basic services to South Bougainville. His colleagues’ graves are still to be unearthed. Regional Peace Coordinator, Jude Aris, said that uniting the people of Bougainville was crucial as it would create an environment of peace, stability. ‘‘There were outstanding reconciliations that needed to be done in the next five years. About 1400 reconciliations are yet to be done throughout the region – as it would need a substantial amount of funding by ABG,” Mr Aris said. He said that the high impact reconciliation ceremonies were particularly in the Panguna, Buin and Siwai areas. “Former ABG Presidents, the late Joseph Kabui and James Tanis, have achieved significant progress and we need to continue with that,” he said. One of the major reconciliation ceremonies being planned for this week, is between ABG President John Momis and former combatants from Tinputz, who had taken Mr Momis hostage in Panguna in 1997. The ceremony will be held at Tinputz this week. Chiefs from Buin representing President Momis have arrived in Buka and are due to travel to Tinputz for the occasion. |