By FLTLT Natalie Sands
SOUTH Pacific nations have demonstrated their active commitment to bringing peace to Bougainville on many occasions.

These efforts have included the South Pacific Peace Keeping Force in 1994 (Operation Lagoon) and the New Zealand-led Truce Monitoring Group (TMG) in 1997.

The Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) is a direct successor to the TMG. This group came to Bougainville unarmed as a result of the Burnham Truce and aimed to act as a neutral party that would help to increase confidence by monitoring and reporting on the truce.

When the Lincoln Agreement was signed, the PMG came into existence on April 30, 1998. At its height, the PMG numbered more than 300 people. This included four Iroquois helicopters from No. 171 Operational Support Squadron (OSS), a Combined Health Element capable of everything from extracting a tooth to performing life-saving surgery, five permanent team sites, sites for the Headquarters and Logistic Support Team, and a forward operating base.

These community team sites, along with the civil affairs capabilities offered by engineers and the medical team, gave the PMG a high profile, helping it gain acceptance among the people of Bougainville.

In late 2000, the PMG’s strength was reduced to 195. The numbers of monitors at team sites were reduced, the level of logistical support was scaled back and some functions were outsourced. In August 2001, the PMG began transitioning from 195 to 75 –- numerically and operationally the most significant change since its deployment.

Currently the break down is 35 from the ADF, 15 from NZDF, five from Fiji, six from Vanuatu and 14 Australian civilians. An additional 10 personnel (five ADF and five NZDF) have been approved for weapons disposal tasks. Also, a RAN Landing Craft Heavy usually supports the operation.

The PMG has successfully facilitated the Townsville Peace Talks in February 2001 and the Bougainville Peace Agreement signing ceremony in Arawa in August 2001, along with its involvement in implementing the weapons disposal program.

Op Bel Isi’s mission, which ends on June 30, has been a groundbreaker. The trust and respect the PMG has earned from the Bougainville people and the PMG’s adherence to its mandate of neutrality, have all helped bring about the peace the people are seeking.

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