Sir Jerry to take up office as Moderator in November

The former Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Mateparae has been appointee as moderator in resolving the outstanding issues on Bougainville's future.

The announcement was jointly made by Prime Minister James Marape and President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama in Port Moresby today

Both Marape and President Toroama expressed confidence in Sir Jerry's qualification and expertise.

Sir Jerry will take office in November, this year.

"We're happy with Sir Jerry's involvement. I think Section 333 of the Constitution, which got transplanted from the Bougainville Peace Agreement, says that there can be moderators in between when there are areas of loggerheads. And so, we're absolutely happy with Sir Jerry.

"He's one of our senior citizens in the Pacific, so we're looking forward to working with him and all of us agree we will not impinge on his independence of opinion. The United Nations will assist Sir Jerry with logistics, administration and his program.

Sir Jerry was once the Commander of the international troops keeping peace in Bougainville prior to the 2001 peace agreement.

Meantime , Sir Jerry says he is honoured to be appointed as moderator.

He says he is committed to working alongside Bougainville and PNG leaders in implementing the Peace Agreement.

"I do have a history with Papua New Guinea and also Bougainville. That goes back thousands of years when the Māori, my ancestors, travelled across the archipelago into the Pacific and down into New Zealand. I also reflected, and this is why it's important to me, on the leadership that has been shown on many occasions by the leaders in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

"And so, when I was approached to take up this role, I was more than happy", Sir Jerry said