PNG Parliament paves way for Bougainville autonomy

On January 24, 2002 the Papua New Guinea Parliament approved constitutional and legislative changes, which effectively grant autonomy to the island of Bougainville
In Parliament, 85 of the 109 MPs voted in favour of the amendments. This represents a clear majority. With the passing of the constitutional amendments the Bougainville Peace Agreement, signed in Arawa on August 30, 2001, has become law.

Weapons disposal

In a statement made on January 18, 2002, the Head of the UN Observer Mission on Bougainville, Ambassador Noel Sinclaire, stated that the weapons disposal program on the island was progressing well. Another “weapons disposal plan” is also on its way. According to PNG Defence Force Chief of Staff Captain Tom Ur, a large amount of ammunition brought into the country by Sandline International for use by hired mercenaries, will be dumped into the sea.

Amnesty ruling

The Bougainville peace process received a major boost on January 18, 2002, after the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament has the authority to grant amnesty to those allegedly involved in the Bougainville conflict. The decision also sets the precedent for similar cases in the future, but critics have warned that it could be detrimental for PNG as a nation with many tribes and conflicts.