O'Namah Warns Paska

Papua New Guinea’s  prime minister, Peter O’Neill, has accused the trade union leader, John Paska, of trying to incite anarchy.

Mr Paska is the general secretary of the Trade Union Congress and one of the leaders of a protest in Port Moresby, which has been raising concerns about controversial legislative moves by the government.
Mr O’Neill says Mr Paska called for businesses, shops and schools across the city to close.

And many have, with no school classes for two days and some businesses and public transport not operating.

The prime minister says Mr Paska is conducting a political vendetta against the government, which is threatening peace and good order.

He says he wants Mr Paska to account for what he calls his misconduct in office and to desist from making any further calls for civil action and public disturbance.

Police dispersed a small crowd of public protesters outside of the Somare Foundation building yesterday, warning of arresting them if they continue.A small group led by NGO's had gathered there at around lunch time and was slowly growing when police moved in.Police told the demonstrators, the are executing order from the National Capital District police command.Metropolitan Superintendent, Peter Guiness earlier told NBC News, any further gathering will be deemed as unlawful assembly as police have not given the green light for any such gatherings.

NGO groups and the Union had promised to continue from Tueday's gathering until end of this week demanding answers from the government that it repeal the judicial conduct law; back-track its decision to defer elections and strike out changes to the Supreme Court Act.

Port Moresby city and nearby areas can expect a complete shutdown of services tomorrow as the PNG Trade Union Congress plans a second and major civil protest against the government. National Capital District and Central Police Commander Francis Tokura as well as Metropolitan Superintendent, Peter Guinness are currently in meeting with the Union bodies. A news conference is expected soon to announce details of the meeting.

Our reporter Kelvin Kaspar is at the trade union headquarters at Korobosea and says closed door meeting of the PNG Trade Union Congress and all its affiliates is currently underway at its headquarters at Korobosea to deliberate on its plan. Union leaders from police, teachers, doctors and nurses, PNG Power, airlines, bankers, maritime workers, and water company Eda Ranu are all present to show their support to their mother body.

The union says the shutdown of water and power in Port Moresby is possible tomorrow at strategic government locations if the government does not respond favorably to a list of fresh petitions that they will be presenting to them tomorrow. Details of the petition is yet to be made known. On social network site, Twitter, the PNG Teachers Association has advised that all schools in the capital will close tomorrow. NCD residents have been advised to stock up essentials like food and water.



NBC NEWS/RADIO NZ REPORTS

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