Commonwealth Secretariat
  1. Home
  2. What's New
  3. Who We Are
  4. What We Do
    1. Democracy
    2. Economics
    3. Education
    4. Gender
    5. Governance
    6. Health
    7. Human Rights
    8. Law
    9. Small States
    10. Sport
    11. Sustainability
    12. Youth
    13. Millennium Development Goals
    14. Funding
  5. News
    1. Events
    2. News Archive Search
    3. Picture Stories
  6. Media Room
    1. Press Archive Search
    2. Media Contacts
    3. CommonwealthTV
    4. Podcast: Pick of the Commonwealth
    5. Events
    6. In the Media
    7. Updates
    8. Downloads
  7. Resources
    1. Documents
    2. Image Library
    3. Libary & Archives
    4. Publications
  8. Publications
  9. Employment
  10. FAQs
    1. Acronyms
  11. Contact Us
Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Statement of Commonwealth Secretary-General as Bougainville signs up for peace

29 August 2001

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today congratulated all the parties involved in the Bougainville peace process and the achievement of a historic political settlement. Signed today, Thursday 30 August, The Bougainville Peace Agreement provides for the establishment of an autonomous Bougainville Government within the Papua New Guinea Constitution; a referendum on independence within 10-15 years; and the phased implementation of a weapons disposal plan.

Mr McKinnon asked that a message be read during the official signing of the Agreement, extracts of which follow:

"When I first visited Bougainville in 1995, I felt very saddened and frustrated by what I saw. But throughout my involvement...I have always believed that the people of Bougainville wanted no more and no less than people everywhere: influence over their lives and destinies."

The Secretary-General congratulated in particular the women and young people of Bougainville, and noted the high price all its people have paid for conflict. He urged every islander now to help heal Bougainville's scars, "to look after it and commit yourself to this beautiful island."

Note to Editors:
Prior to becoming Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr McKinnon was, in his capacity as New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, instrumental in re-starting the peace process on Bougainville in 1996. This resulted in the Burnham Agreement (July 1997), the Burnham Truce (October 1997) and the Lincoln Agreement (January 1998), which provided the basis for continuing talks between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville parties involved in the conflict, leading ultimately to today's peace agreement.

30 August 2001


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full text of the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Message on the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement

The Secretary-General has asked that the following message be read during the official signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement on Thursday 30 August:

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

If there is one place I would like to be today it is with you at Bougainville and it is with great regret that I am unable to be there.

When I first visited Bougainville in 1995, I felt very saddened and frustrated by what I saw. But throughout my involvement, from welcoming a very cold group of Bougainvillians to Burnham Camp to overseeing the release of the hostages and supporting the Burnham, Lincoln and subsequent agreements, I have always believed that the people of Bougainville wanted no more and no less than people everywhere: influence over their lives and destinies.

I congratulate all-especially the women-who have worked so hard to make this happen and remained so committed throughout the process.

I have a special message for the young people of Bougainville, especially those who have had such a disrupted life. Since World War II, more blood has been shed on your beautiful island than can ever be justified. Though the scars on the land and the people will remain for many years to come, you must encourage the healing process.

As long as you breathe the fresh Pacific air, as long as you can walk the tracks to distant villages, please remember those who died and those who lived and strived to give you an autonomous Bougainville.

What you are inheriting is very special. Nurture it, look after it and commit yourself to this beautiful island. Leave but always return. Give of yourself whenever you can and this island will repay you and your family and friends many times over.

To Joseph Kabui and Josephine Sirivi Kauona, thank you for being such wonderful godparents to my son James de Lore McKinnon. That alone will ensure that he and I return to enjoy your friendship, your company, your community and your beautiful island.

May God bless all assembled here."












01/50 29 August 2001


Share this page
About this

ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int