Monday, November 24, 2008

Sinking Atolls On Agenda

SINKING Carterets Island and the political situation on Bougainville will be among the highlights of a series of topics to be discussed during the ACP/EU meeting this week by the Government.

It will be part of the Climate Change discussion and the impact on small island nations which will take the lead on Thursday when regional experts take to the floor.Trade and RD Tuna processing and health, malaria and TB and HIV/AIDS in PNG will also be discussed.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who is currently in Peru, Lima in his welcome speech to the members and leaders of the ACP/EU counterparts in the country said that the success of the political situation on Bougainville would be highlighted to the members at the meeting.

“As you arrive on our shores, I have good news for you all,” he said.
“During the 2006 ACP Council meeting and 31st Session ACP-EU Council of Ministers hosted in Port Moresby, the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea suffered a civil unrest for almost a decade,” Sir Michael said.
“Many countries and organisations in the region including ACP and EU offered assistance for the rehabilitation and restoration of services on the island province.

“Today we are witnessing the fruits of this work and an autonomous government is in place on Bougainville,” he said.
Details of this success will be outlined at the political seminar on Thursday at the Holiday Inn.

Acting Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu will be expected to address the formal opening ceremony of the joint ACP/EU meeting with a major plenary session today followed by dinner hosted by Dr Temu at the State function Hall at Parliament tonight.

Source: Postcourier 25-11-2008)

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Checkout my earlier posting on the Carterets Island below.

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