Bougainville not supported

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33932, 27 August 1975, Page 15

Bougainville not supported

(New Zealand Press Association —Copyright)

PORT MORESBY, August 26.

The Public Service Association, Papua New Guinea’s biggest trade union, today directed its members on Bougainville Island not to take part in any secessionist independence celebrations next Monday.

In a press statement, the association president, Dr Goasa Damena, described the Bougainville secession move as a national tragedy. Dr Damena said that the association, with its 22,000 members, was a national body which strongly supported an independent and united Papua New Guinea. An association spokesman estimated it had about 6000 members on Bougainville Island. In his statement. Dr Damena said that the Bougainville situation should never have occurred. “In our view it is a I tragedy that should never have been allowed to arise [ and it reflects no credit on> any of the persons concerned! in the affair,” he said. Dr Damena said, however, that the Public Service Association felt it had a duty to make a clear and unmistakable commitment to the future of a single nation of Papua New Guinea. Today’s P.S.A. directive comes after a Government order to all of its employers on Bougainville to continue working on September I—the day Bougainville secessionists have proclaimed as their independence day. The Chief Minister (Mr Michael Somare) said last night that he saw September 1 as “ a normal day” for Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

“As far as we are concerned the schools and Government offices will be open and the Government flag will be flying,” he said. Mr Somare said that his Government would not interfere in the secessionist celebrations but it was sure the matter would be resolved afterwards. He said that his Government’s door would always be open. A spokesman for the Bougainville Provincial Assembly, Mr Leo Hannett, today welcomed Mr Somare’s offer of further negotiations. “We will certainly take [them up on the offer after | our celebrations are over,” Mr Hannett said. However, he emphasised i that the Bougainvilleans would go to Port Moresby only to discuss any assistance or compensation Papua New Guinea might be able to give an independent i Bougainville.