PM Marape and President Toroama jointly endorse engagement of moderator

PM James Marape and ABG President Ishmael Toroama at the recent JSB meeting in Port Moresby. Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu is seated in the back (PM's Media)

President Ishmael Toroama and Prime Minister James Marape have agreed to expand the roles of moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae, who has been engaged to help the two governments resolve an impasse on the ratification process in endorsing the outcome of the 2019 Referendum on Independence.

The two leaders' endorsement was reached following the Joint Supervisory Body, or JSB, meeting of the two governments in Port Moresby on Friday.

In a joint statement, President Toroama and Prime Minister Marape jointly endorsed Sir Jerry's amended Terms of Reference, which will support the two governments' resolve outstanding issues on Bougainville's political future.

Apart from the added task in his amended Terms of Reference, Sir Jerry's initial work remains, which is threefold.

This involves facilitating an agreement on the Sessional Orders for bringing the 2019 Referendum results to the National Parliament for ratification.

It includes overseeing a joint report on consultations between the two governments and assisting a bi-partisan committee from Bougainville.

This committee will deliver unified messages to National Parliament members to ensure a shared understanding of the Referendum's outcome and the next steps.

The joint statement says Sir Jerry Mataparae's scope of work will be broad and as flexible as required to assist the two governments.

The moderator will be supported by an independent secretariat and technical team with logistical support and backing provided by the United Nations.

Emphasizing the urgency of the moderator's role, the joint statement from the President and the Prime Minister states that Sir Jerry Mataparae will conclude his engagement before the 2025 Bougainville government elections.

The two leaders say the moderator is entrusted to maintain neutrality, engage with both governments and leverage international expertise to ensure the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement and Part 14 of the National Constitution and the Organic Law on Peacebuilding in Bougainville are observed towards settling Bougainville's political future.