BOUGAINVILLE: Help needed now
Bougainville's struggle for self-determination has reached a critical point. A full political settlement hangs on just one crucial concession from the government of Papua New Guinea. The alternative is renewed war.
The PNG government baulks at setting a schedule for a referendum on independence. Without it there will be no settlement of the issues in conflict. There will be no reconciliation between Bougainvilleans and PNG authorities.
PNG authorities are under huge pressure. Australia and other Western powers are pushing PNG to impose their sovereignty: mining companies worldwide oppose local control of land, which locks them out.
Everything has been done to encourage PNG concessions on Bougainville. All Bougainvilleans have been united behind the demand for a referendum on independence.
Externally, Bougainvilleans need to step up pressure on PNG authorities. The Bougainville People's Congress international representative, Moses Havini, has just returned from a Pacific people's conference in Fiji and Bougainvilleans plan to be represented in Canada in May at an international human rights conference where significant figures from Europe, and North and South America will be present.
We are appealing to all Bougainville's friends and everyone who sympathises with people struggling to overcome colonialism and achieve control over their lands and lives to help at this critical time. Money is needed to step up the international campaign for Bougainville's freedom. Please send cheques or money orders to Bougainville Freedom Movement, PO Box 134, Erskineville, NSW 2043, or deposit directly into the Bougainville Freedom Movement cheque account, Commonwealth Bank account number 2212-1002-9038.
For further information, contact Vikki John on (02) 9558 2730 or Moses Havini on (02) 9804 7632.
BY VIKKI JOHN