MEDIA RELEASE THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE ACTING MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

971010a

10 October 1997

BURNHAM TRUCE

I understand the parties involved in the Bougainville conflict have signed a truce at the conclusion of their meeting in Burnham. This is an important confidence building measure and augers well for continued discussions between the parties, including the Papua New Guinea Government.

The signing is also an important step along the path towards peace and reconciliation on Bougainville.

I am also very pleased that the Australian Government was able to play such an important role in facilitating these discussions.

I also welcome the foreshadowing of a further meeting at leaders level before 31 January, 1998. Australia stands ready to again assist in supporting these talks.