Bougainville veterans prepare for major summit

Two summits involving veterans of the Bougainville civil war are being held ahead of a bigger event next week.

The meetings come as the region continues preparations for the vote on independence from Papua New Guinea in October.

The Me’ekamui faction of the former separatist group is meeting in Panguna with other veterans meeting in Arawa.

New Dawn FM said the ABG member for Kokoda and chairman of the Central Bougainville members forum, Rodney Osioco, told the Me’ekamui the time for fighting is over and it’s time to complete the unfinished business of removing all weapons in preparation for the referendum.

Both groups will be brought together next week with the aim that a joint resolution on weapons disposal.

Source: RNZ