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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Papua New Guinea: Commonwealth Secretary-General Welcomes Bougainville Regional Transition Team

18 June 2003

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, today welcomed the establishment of a civilian transition team for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. This team, consisting of officials from regional countries, will provide support to the ongoing peace process in that country after the withdrawal of the Bougainville Peace Monitoring Group scheduled to take place on 30 June 2003.

"I welcome the forward looking stance of Australia, Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Vanuatu in supporting the next stage of the peace process in Bougainville," said Mr McKinnon. "This team is a further clear demonstration of support by regional Commonwealth members to the people of Papua New Guinea. The Commonwealth as a whole stands behind this important initiative towards establishing a lasting peace in Bougainville".

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. Mr McKinnon visited Bougainville as Secretary-General in May 2000.

The Peace Monitoring Group was established in April 1998 to promote stability and the peace process in Bougainville.

03/44 18 June 2003
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