BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will continue to play a neutral and balanced role regarding the Bougainville issue.
Speaking to media following his return from Australia and New Zealand, Wale acknowledged Bougainville’s independence aspirations while stressing the importance of respecting Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty.
“I recognise Bougainville’s independence aspirations and the overwhelming result that came out of the referendum,” Wale said.
“But at the same time, of course, recognise that they are still part of Papua New Guinea, and therefore we must respect that fact also.”
Wale said Solomon Islands has consistently maintained a balanced approach on the issue over many years.
“Solomon Islands’ position has always consistently been not to anger PNG, but to help facilitate whatever the two of them agree on,” he said.
The Prime Minister was responding to questions on whether the Bougainville issue would be placed on the agenda during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau where Solomon Islands currently holds the Chairmanship role.
He revealed that he has already been communicating with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape on Bougainville and other regional matters.
“I’ve just been communicating with Prime Minister James Marape on that and other regional matters,” Wale said.
“We’re trying to work out some dates, so I will be going to Moresby over the next two weeks to further those discussions and then have a much clearer idea.”
Wale said he was not fully aware of the discussions behind last year’s decision not to place Bougainville on the Pacific Islands Forum agenda under the previous Solomon Islands Government.
“I’m not privy to all the discussions that led to that particular decision, so I’m unable to pass judgement on it,” he said.
“But I certainly will be wanting to find out more from Prime Minister James Marape to have a better understanding.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that Solomon Islands will continue its traditional role of helping facilitate dialogue between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.
“We will play that kind of supportive, facilitating role,” he said.
“It’s been a very healthy role that Solomon Islands has played for many, many years.” Wale said.
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