Suspended GG asked to resign, Unions give ultimatum, all the days stories.
Peter O'Niell and the MPs come out to meet protestors. |
The Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress has given the O'Neil and Somare government factions a 48 hour ultimatum to settle the current political crises.In a quiet meeting this afternoon, executives of respective unions and the PNG Trade Union Congress met to deeply reiterate their concerns.General Secretary John Paska says they presented two options for the two leaders to come up with a decision, and allow only one to rule for the good of the country and its people.Mr Paska appealed to both the leaders to adhere to these avenues or they will pull off workers as agreed in the meeting today by all members. He says they will be writing to Sir Michael and Mr. O'Neil giving them two options. One is to honor the constitution and allow Sir Michael Somare to take the prime minister ship and Peter O'Neil becomes the deputy. Mr. Paska says they can then work out a transitional period in which Mr. O'Neil can take over from the Grand Chief as prime minister. However,the ultimatum will not be effective until resolutions from each union executives are submitted to the PNG Trade Union Congress President, Michael Malabag.
The Civil Society Organizations have thrown their support behind the Churches proposed round table conference between the two opposing political factions to come to an amicable solution.PNG Civil Society Organization Interim President, Susan Setae, says it's important that peace and normalcy is restored, as the current situation will have a serious impact especially on women and children.Mrs. Setae says the situation must be addressed immediately because the country's budget is at stake.She says the whole country is waiting for the budget to be passed, as it contains the free education appropriation which will enable children to go to school and also help relieve parents from paying hefty school fees.
The National Academic Staff Association of the University of Papua New Guinea, also joined the foray of public calls for an end to the current political upheaval.In a media statement, NASA says whilst the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of reinstating Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as Prime Minister, the Parliament must now test that decision to see if he has the numbers to pass the 2012 National Budget.President, Ms Eleina Butuna says, the budget is the fundamental hallmark for a democratic government and it can only be passed by Parliament.Ms Butuna says, with this instrument not passed sooner, it will have flow-on effects on both the lives of human resources and other government-run institutions.She says the Grand Chief must go to the floor of Parliament and apologize to Papua New Guinea for misleading the people, by not disclosing his medical history and holding PNG to ransom.
There was also a public gathering in Port Moresby today with an invitation extended to both the Somare and O'Neill camps to attend but, only the the O'Neil camp attended.The people presented a petition containing several demands including one for the O'Neill and Somare camps to convene Parliament immediately in the next 24 yours to resolve the impasse and have the 2012 National Budget passed.The petition said failing that, Parliament should be dissolved and fresh election called.The main organizer of the meeting, Noel Anjo told the crowd, there's been gross violation of the constitution on both sides and that should be stopped.
The majority of Ministers from the Somare camp, have yet to assume their Ministerial Offices, as the political stand off between both groups continues.Nawae M-P and Somare's Internal Security Minister designate, Timothy Bonga, says, transiition of Ministers usually takes up to a week and he hopes to assume the Police Ministry according to their timeline.Dame Carol Kidu, the Somare camp's Community Development Minister, told NBC News, she's also expected at the ministerial office by Secretary Joseph Klapat. Education and Planning Minister designate of the Somare Camp, James Marape, says he has met with the staff of the Planning Department. However, Peter O'Neil's Camp today continued to lay claim to power and the government. Attorney-Generals of the two camps, Dr. Allan Marat and Sir Arnold Amet, today told overseas media that the options of discussions between the two groups can be considered.
REPORTS: NBC, KARAI RADIO/YUMI FM/ FACEBOOK FEEDS
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