UN takes stock of peace agreement

By STEPHANIE ELIZAH

A UNITED Nations delegation is in Bougainville to review the mission's role in the Bougainville peace agreement, which was signed 10 years ago, The National reports.
Resident coordinator of the UN mission in PNG David McLachlan-Karr is leading the week-long assessment team.
He said on arrival at Buka Airport yesterday that the UN and its development partners were proud of being part of the Bougainville peace process since 2001.
"After 10 years, it was a good time for the UN, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the state to take stock of what had been achieved," McLachlan-Karr said.
"The mission is designed to be helpful, to position itself where it can provide substantial assistance and how we can support the aspect of the peace agreement."
After talks with stakeholders on the peace agreement tomorrow, the UN mission comprising New York-based UN officers from the Department of Political Affairs would lead a three-day peace-walk through the Numa Numa track from Wakunai, in East Coast Bougainville, to Torokina on the West Coast.
McLachlan-Karr said the walk would focus on youths.
"The 10 years of the peace process provides an opportunity for reflection with the youths to recognise not only their vulnerabilities but, especially, their strengths and the opportunities available," he said.
He said the peace-walk sought to draw attention to the resourcefulness of youths that should be maximised by the policy makers.
"It seeks to draw a special attention to the economic opportunities in Bougainville, especially tourism and employment potentials of the track."
Bougainville President John Momis will launch the peace walk with youths from South, Central and North Bougainville accompanying the UN delegation on the track.