ESfO Subscribers,
Norber Braumann has requested that I post the following to the list:
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INTRODUCTION to the Bougainville Info - Lists [BougI-L] & [BougI-xL] ********************************************************************
(Last Revision: 1. April, 1998)
Dear subscribers,
For quite a long time now, I have been distributing news and background information on the copper-rich and war-torn island of Bougainville, which "belongs" politically to 700 km distant Papua New Guinea (PNG) but has been fighting for its self-determination for over nine years now. Up to 20.000 of the once 160.000 Bougainvilleans have lost their lives (about 40.000 live as refugees) mainly due to an (almost) complete military blockade by the PNG "Defence Force" until mid-97 - which has targetted medical supplies above all - but also through the bloody and often merciless war between the PNG"DF" and its auxiliary "Resistance Forces" - backed militarily and financially by the Australian government - on the one hand and the independence movement on the other. The independence movement has a military wing, the BRA (=Bougainville Revolutionary Army) and a closely associated political organisation, the BIG (=Bougainville Interim Government). The BRA was formed in the initial period of the conflict, between Nov.88 and mid-89. The BIG, constituted in early 1990, declared the island independent on 17.5.90, after an initial victory of the BRA had forced the PNG army and its australian ally to withdraw from the island in March 1990. A determined attempt at the reconquest of Bougainville began late 1990, based on attempts to set the multiple Bougainville "tribes" against one another and on the total blockade of the BIG/BRA controlled areas. In early 1995 the PNG government, with Australian support, formed a "Bougainville Transitional Government" (BTG), based in the small northern island of Buka. The strongest base of the BRA is situated in Central Bougainville in the area around the Panguna copper mine, which was run by BCL (=Bougainville Copper Ltd.) which is mainly owned by the Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. The mine was opened against strenuous opposition by the local population between 1969 and 1972 (production start). The BRA closed it definitely in May 1989 since for the former landowners (and other natives) the Panguna mining meant dispossession and exploitation (of land and people) and heavy environmental devastation and poisoning.
After the last election in June 1997 the PNG government of Prime Minister Skate embarked in peace talks without preconditions with the leaders of the BIG/BRA (and the other Bougainville fractions). Currently a formal ceasefire has been negotiated after a truce has now held for several months. This Lincoln Agreement on peace comprises a "permanent and irrevocable ceasefire" from 30.April on, talks within the next six months about the future political status of Bougainville, elections of a "Bougainville Reconciliation Government" this year, and phased substitution of the PNG troops by local police forces. But scepsis is still more than advisable since the reopening of the Panguna mine seems to be still on the agenda of at least Australia as foreign minister Downer said: "I have worked hard to make sure we keep the mine completely out of sight for all of these talks. It is the most emotive and the most difficult issue of all." WHOSE ISSUE?!
But however it may come - after horrific losses (more than 10% of the population) the desire for peace is intense amongst the people of Bougainville.
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Okay - after this short political introduction, here comes the technical one. I will be running TWO DIFFERING mailing lists so YOU must DECIDE on how interested you are:
[BougI-L] Bougainville Info - List for ALL the news and "papers" I find in the net. This "normal" list suites to activists or the very interested to get an overview on what is published on the whole issue.
[BougI-xL] Bougainville Info eXcerpts or Bougainville Info eXtended List (incl. BougI-L subscribers) for interested people, specialised journalists, or for the overloaded activists who don't need to know all the details. This mailing list will cover say about a third of BougI-L.
Currently there are 30 subscribers on [BougI-L] and 25 on [BougI-xL].
The sources I'll cover are all info I get through my eMail contacts (you?) and by exploring known websites, mailing list archives and newsgroups, and by searching the following media (which are easily searchable).
[BougI-L ABC] Australian Broadcasting Corp. - Radio Australia [BougI-L PIR] Pacific Islands Report (Hawaii) [BougI-L Fiji-PIM] Fiji Times' Pacific Islands Monthly [BougI-L APN] Asia-Pacific Network in UPNG's Cafe Pacific [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] The Independent (PNG) [BougI-L PNG-Nat.] The National (PNG) [BougI-L PNG-P.C.] The Post Courier (PNG) [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] The Independent (PNG, bi-weekly) [BougI-L NZ-Press] The Press (New Zealand) [BougI-L Syd.M.H.] The Sydney Morning Herald [BougI-L Melb.AGE] The AGE (Melbourne) [BougI-L Austral.] The Australian [BougI-L Aus.Fin.] The Australian Financial Review [BougI-L GLW] Greenleft Weekly (Oz. Democratic Socialist Party) [BougI-L Guardian] The Guardian (Communist Party of Australia) [BougI-L ISO] International Socialist Organisation (Australia) [BougI-L Militant] The Militant (Socialist Newsweekly from Canada/US) [BougI-L BBC] British Broadcasting Corporation [BougI-L IPS] InterPress Service via APC networks [BougI-L EuPacSol] Europe-Pacific Solidarity Bulletin, published by ECSIEP = Eur. Centre for Studies Inform. and Education on Pac. Issues
...and others not extra listed here.
[BougI-L BFM] Bougainville Freedom Movement of Australia
I will also be covering all statements of the Bougainville Freedom Movement in Australia and media releases of the BIG as far as I get them. Since these are so called "moderated mailing lists", I will also pass on valuable information I get from subscribers or from my other contacts, friends, ... If you wish to have a piece of information distributed via [BougI-L], just eMail me with at least "To BougI-L" in the SUBJECT line. If you think it's so important that everybody should get your info, then words like "IMPORTANT" or if necessary "URGENT" at the beginning of the Subject line (with CAPITALS, as I sometimes do not have the time to read accross every article i come across, hence cannot always assess its value for others adequately).
IMPORTANT: If you want to get something out via the Bougainville Info List, tell me if you wish to stay anonymous, or if you prefer to have your eMail address added so that other subscribers can reply directly to you. We can also start discussions on this list, though I'm the moderator which means that i do have to be present to be able to forward your contribution to everyone on the list.
These lists are run manually, not (yet) automatically by a listserver (or Majordomo), but despite this fact, i want to get as little work as possible, so please subscribe/unsubscribe in the following way:
********************************************************************** mail-TO: [log in to unmask] (I'm the "owner" of BougI-L and BougI-xL) Subject: [un?] subscribe BougI-L [or BougI-xL] <your_eMail_address>
if possible, copy the Subject also into your mail itself (the "body"). if you want to change the list, write "change" instead of "subscribe". **********************************************************************
Further Contact Information: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BIG - Bougainville Interim Government MOSES HAVINI (International Political Representative in Asia/Pacific) 34 Darvall Rd, Eastwood 2122 NSW, Australia Phone/Fax +61-2-9804-7632 , Mobile +61-(0)414-226-428
MARTIN MIRIORI (International BIG Secretary in Europe, NL) e-mail: [log in to unmask] (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Org.) Phone +31-55-577-99-60 , Fax +31-55-577-99-39
BFM - Bougainville Freedom Movement (Coordination in Australia): VIKKI JOHN - e-mail: [log in to unmask] P.O. Box 134, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia, Phone +61-2-9558-2730
MAX WATTS - eMail: [log in to unmask] (specialised Journalist) P.O. Box 98, Annandale NSW 2038, Australia Phone +61-2-9564-1147 , Phone/Fax +61-2-9818-2343 (work)
Bougainville Information - (eXtended) List - Index November 1998 ----------------------------------------------------------------
1 Nov 27 -> BougI-L Info (152) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] Parliament to vote on Bougainville amendment next week
2 Nov 27 -> BougI-L Info (186) [BougI-xL UNE] (corrected) 1 & 2 Dec 98 CONFERENCE on Bougainville @ UNE
3 Nov 27 -> BougI-L Info (109) [BougI-L PNG-P.C.] AUSTRALIA AND PNG DISCUSS AID PACKAGES
4 Nov 27 -> BougI-L Info (423) [BougI-xL NZ-Gov.] NZ's role in restoring peace on Bougainville
5 Nov 27 -> BougI-L Info (174) [BougI-xL UNE] (updated) 1 & 2 Dec 98 CONFERENCE on Bougainville @ UNE
6 Nov 25 -> BougI-L Info (65) [BougI-xL PNG-P.C.] BRA REBELS FIRE AT PEACE MONITORING GROUP HELICOPTER
6b Nov 25 -> BougI-L Info (81) [BougI-xL PNG-P.C.] BOUGAINVILLE REFUGEES IN SOLOMONS NOT GETTING FOOD: ONA
7 Nov 25 -> BougI-L Info (240) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] Bougainville Reports from 13.November, 1998
8 Nov 25 -> BougI-L Info (229) [BougI-xL ANU/ABC] 'Being Female in Melanesia' Workshop on the Web
9 Nov 25 -> BougI-L Info (120) [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] Former army chiefs want Singirok out
10 Nov 24 -> BougI-L Info (64) [BougI-L PNG-Gov.] SKATE MEETS WITH McKINNON - DISCUSS BOUGAINVILLE
11 Nov 24 -> BougI-L Info (41) [BougI-xL Max] UNE conference: TBA = MAX WATTS on "Australia Media & Bougainville War"
12 Nov 20 -> BougI-L Info (118) [BougI-xL PNG-P.C.] PMG BRIGADIER'S STATEMENT TERMED MISLEADING BY BIG
13 Nov 20 -> BougI-L Info (177) [BougI-xL PMG] CHIEF NEGOTIATOR WAVES GOODBYE
14 Nov 20 -> BougI-L Info (190) [BougI-xL PMG] BOUGAINVILLE PEACE MESSAGE TAKEN TO SCHOOL
15 Nov 18 -> BougI-L Info (85) [BougI-xL D.Robie] THE INTERNET AND JOURNALISM EDUCATION IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
16 Nov 18 -> BougI-L + WP (100) [BougI-L Syd.M.H.] IRIAN JAYA MASSACRE - Church team to investigate Biak killings
17 Nov 18 -> BougI-L Info (181) [BougI-xL GLW] Kanaky: Independence postponed
18 Nov 18 -> BougI-L Info (165) [BougI-xL UNE] Time & Venue for 1 & 2 Dec 98 - CONFERENCE @ UNE
19 Nov 18 -> BougI-L Info (82) [BougI-xL BIG/BFM] News Release 15th November 1998
20 Nov 18 -> BougI-L + WP (556) [BougI-xL Syd.M.H.] (West-Papua) MORNING STAR MASSACRE - Freedom dream dies at dawn
21 Nov 12 -> BougI-L Info (124) [BougI-xL BIG/BFM] BIG/BRA DESCRIBES BRIGADIER BRUCE OSBORNE'S STATEMENT AS MISLEADING
22 Nov 11 -> BougI-L Info (50) [BougI-xL ABC] PNG Court turns down review of Sandline Commission findings
23 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (125) [BougI-xL Syd.M.H.] Singirok pledges loyalty, support
24 Nov 10 -> BougI-L + WP (60) [BougI-xL ABC] IRIAN JAYANS TO ASK WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES FOR INDEPENDENCE SUPPORT
25 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (159) [BougI-L ABC] Asia Pacific Transcripts: NEW CALEDONIA VOTES FOR GREATER AUTONOMY FROM PARIS
26 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (41) [BougI-L ABC] Vanuatu's fifth Bougainville peace monitoring group prepares for duty
27 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (49) [BougI-L ABC] Human rights group offers Howard government 17-point plan
28 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (89) [BougI-xL UNE] 1 & 2 Dec 98 - CONFERENCE "Reconstruction, Recovery and Reconciliation in Boug."
29 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (50) [BougI-xL ABC] PNG Defence Minister says a military coup could never happen
30 Nov 10 -> BougI-L Info (53) [BougI-L ABC] PNG parliament begins its final session
31 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (52) [BougI-xL ABC] Skate plans tactics for resumption of PNG parliament
32 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (224) [BougI-L GLW] East Timor: Habibie stalls as pressure mounts
33 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (148) [BougI-L Melb.AGE] No coup, says PNG leaders
34 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (88) [BougI-L Syd.M.H.] Challengers jostle as Skate starts to run out of time
35 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (59) [BougI-L ABC] FORMER PNG PM LOSES LATEST BATTLE TO REJOIN PARLIAMENT
36 Nov 9 -> BougI-L Info (137) [BougI-xL afp/PIR] NEW CALEDONIA BACKS MORE AUTONOMY IN REFERENDUM VOTE SUNDAY
37 Nov 7 -> BougI-L Info (81) [BougI-L Fiji-PIM] Pacific Islands Monthly - November Issue 1998
38 Nov 7 -> BougI-L Info (54) [BougI-L ABC] Singirok in court on sedition charge
39 Nov 7 -> BougI-L Info (55) [BougI-L Austral.] Singirok faces sedition count
40 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (51) [BougI-xL PIR] SOLOMONS TO BRING IN STORED US$ 1 MILLION IN ARMS
41 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (105) [BougI-xL afp/PIR] NEW CALEDONIA OFFICIALS AND UNIONS MEET TO END TENSION AHEAD OF SUNDAY REFERENDUM
42 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (123) [BougI-xL afp/PIR] NEW CALEDONIA GEARS FOR NEW STATUS WITHIN FRENCH REPUBLIC
43 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (118) [BougI-L afp/PIR] NEW CALEDONIA SHANTY DWELLERS INDIFFERENT TO DEBATE ON LINKS WITH FRANCE
44 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (153) [BougI-xL afp/PIR] REFERENDUM TENSION MOUNTS IN NEW CALEDONIA
45 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (109) [BougI-xL PIR] PROTEST OVER U.S. MINING COMPANY IN IRIAN JAYA
46 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (110) [BougI-L ABC/PIR] IRIAN JAYANS STAYING IN PNG URGED TO RETURN HOME
47 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (80) [BougI-L PIR] IRIANESE INVITED TO DO BUSINESS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
48 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (105) [BougI-L NZ-Press] Former NZ ambassador criticises United States - November 04, 1998
49 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (195) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] People want Skate govt out: Poll
50 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (169) [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] Justice veto claims incite uproar
51 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (309) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] More Boug. Stories from Second Sectoral meetings in Arawa
52 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (190) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] Boug. Stories from Second Sectoral meetings in Arawa
53 Nov 6 -> BougI-L Info (106) [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] Political corruption responsible for current state of affairs
54 Nov 4 To Nobby (2518) rn 6172.6.2.3. = Max Watts on Sean Dorney Book (the BIG story)
55 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (102) [BougI-L Syd.M.H.] Sandline rebel Singirok again facing sedition charges
56 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (84) [BougI-xL PNG-P.C.] A COMPROMISE IN INDEPENDENCE: BOUGAINVILLE'S FRANCIS ONA
57 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (158) [BougI-L PNG-Nat.] PNG DEFENSE FORCE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS GUTTED
58 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (96) [BougI-xL PNG-P.C.] BOUGAINVILLE RECONCILIATION GOVERNMENT A STEP TO INDEPENDENCE
59 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (126) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] Discussions on political future to top leaders meet
60 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (196) [BougI-L PNG-Ind.] Critics flay Singirok appointment, IRPIR HQ burning
61 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (498) [BougI-xL PNG-Ind.] Bougainville - Singirok - BRG - Reconciliation
62 Nov 2 -> BougI-L Info (224) [BougI-xL GLW] Sean Dorney misses the forest and the trees
63 Nov 1 -> BougI-L Info (214) [BougI-(x)L Index 10/98] Bougainville Information - (eXtended) List - Index October 1998
********************************************************************** This public article was forwarded by NOBBY <[log in to unmask]>. Mail subscriptions to me with subjects: "subscribe BougI-[x?]L" or "change to ..-[x?]L" <your_eMail-adr>. [BougI-xL] is the eXcerpt of [BougI-L].
Jeff Marck 61-2-6249-5626 Linguistics-RSPAS-ANU and 61-2-6249-5614 (fax) Health Transition Centre-NCEPH-ANU 61-2-6249-1454 (home) Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
http://coombs.anu.edu.au/~marck/marck.htm
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