Fiji, Oct. 14 -- Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has reaffirmed his government's push for political and economic independence, declaring that "Bougainvilleans will always stand as one people and that is Independence."

Delivering his inaugural statement for the Fifth Bougainville House of Representatives, Toroama thanked the people for their confidence in his leadership and vowed to accelerate progress toward nationhood, economic self-reliance, and good governance.

"It is indeed my honour to address you upon my return for a second term as President," he said. "May I start by thanking the people of Bougainville for your confidence in my leadership in pursuing our common agendas of independence, economy and good governance."

He sai...