PNG lifts ban on Australians traveling to Bougainville

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has lifted the ban on Australians' traveling to the autonomous region of Bougainville, PNG's most influential newspaper reported Tuesday.

The indefinite ban on Australians visiting Bougainville was applied in May following a diplomatic dispute regarding Australia' s announced plans to open a diplomatic mission in the autonomous region.

PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbank Pato told the PNG Post Courier the government and Australia had reached common ground following a bi-lateral meeting with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, in Japan.

"While the manner in which the proposal was announced was unfortunate, we have discussed the issue with our Australian colleagues," Pato said in a statement. "We recognize that there was a serious lapse in communication and we can now move on from this issue."

In a letter to the PNG Prime Minister, Bishop reiterated that Australia regretted the miscommunication and the way the announcement was reported and portrayed.

"Australia fully respects Papua New Guinea's sovereignty, including over the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and recognizes the sensitivity with which this important issue must be treated," Bishop said.

Bougainville President John Momis welcomed the decision.

"We have Australian advisers who have been working here in the autonomous region and now with the inauguration of the Bougainville government, it will be an embarrassment if they do not make it because of the travel ban," Momis said.

Pato said the success of the peace processes on Bougainville remains a high priority for the PNG government. Endi