BOUGAINVILLE’S feared rebel Me’ekamui hardliner Chris Uma has lashed out at the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Panguna landowners for talking about the mine re-opening before addressing outstanding issues.
Mr Uma, who still has a big following in Bougainville, said this was not the time to talk about the mine re-opening but speak on issues at hand. He said the responsible authorities should address the issue of compensation, and sorting out all other outstanding issues before speaking of re-opening of the mine.
The Panguna mine is owned by Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited.
See http://mekamui.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/rebel-hits-out-against-mine-talks/.