SYDNEY, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has told parliament on Wednesday that before the autonomous island region of Bougainville could hold an independence referendum, they would need "fulfill obligations clearly stated in the peace agreement."
Despite a long bloody history of conflict, the two parties signed a treaty a decade ago, which promised Bougainville a referendum before 2020.
However, the agreement also listed a number of conditions.
"That includes a proper establishment of rule of law, proper establishment of a government structure on Bougainville, proper disposal of weapons - so all those issues are yet to be met," O'Neill said.
"So I don't want Papua New Guineans and Bougainvilleans to think that it's an easy path."
Despite increasing doubts on whether the vote will take place, O'Neill did tell the parliament that PNG had a commitment to Bougainville.
"I know sometimes political differences may stand in the way," he said. "But I want to assure the autonomous Bougainville government and the people of Bougainville that we are there to work with them in resolving these issues."
