PNGBLOGS

RADIO AUSTRALIA Papua New Guinea's government has deployed a joint security operation to destroy alleged free West Papua activist training camps along the PNG-Indonesia border. The government says illegal activities in Vanimo along its side of the border pose a national security threat to its sovereignty. The joint border security operation comes amid reports Indonesian soldiers have illegally crossed the border in pursuit of Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebels on PNG soil. The operation codenamed, ''Sunset Merona'' was approved and deployed last week. Police, defence, Correctional Services, Border and Customs officers are taking part in the operation. Commander Jerry Frank says the aim is to stop the largely unregulated movement of people and goods across the porous border. "[Things such as] money laundering, drugs and guns exchanges, human smuggling, items like pornographic materials," he said. He says authorities are particularly keen to prevent members of

RADIO AUSTRALIA Papua New Guinea's government has deployed a joint security operation to destroy alleged free West Papua activist training camps along the PNG-Indonesia border. The government says illegal activities in Vanimo along its side of the border pose a national security threat to its sovereignty. The joint border security operation comes amid reports Indonesian soldiers have illegally crossed the border in pursuit of Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebels on PNG soil. The operation codenamed, ''Sunset Merona'' was approved and deployed last week. Police, defence, Correctional Services, Border and Customs officers are taking part in the operation. Commander Jerry Frank says the aim is to stop the largely unregulated movement of people and goods across the porous border. "[Things such as] money laundering, drugs and guns exchanges, human smuggling, items like pornographic materials," he said. He says authorities are particularly keen to prevent mem

AAP Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who stood down in December to face a leadership tribunal, has resumed office claiming he has simply been away on holidays. On December 13 last year Sir Michael issued a press statement explaining he would "voluntarily step aside" due to a pending leadership tribunal regarding allegations he failed to lodge financial returns. But on Monday evening Sir Michael's chief-of-staff Paul Bengo said in a statement the PM had resumed office after being on a break, with no mention of the  leadership tribunal. "After more than 40 years in office, Sir Michael has outstanding accrued leave. However he has taken a break of approximately five weeks leave. "This is to advise that upon advice from his lawyer Sir Michael today (Monday) resumed office. "Sir Michael took leave last year on December 10," Mr Bengo states. But Sir Michael's December 13 press release does not mention any holiday break and states

AAP Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who stood down in December to face a leadership tribunal, has resumed office claiming he has simply been away on holidays. On December 13 last year Sir Michael issued a press statement explaining he would "voluntarily step aside" due to a pending leadership tribunal regarding allegations he failed to lodge financial returns. But on Monday evening Sir Michael's chief-of-staff Paul Bengo said in a statement the PM had resumed office after being on a break, with no mention of the  leadership tribunal. "After more than 40 years in office, Sir Michael has outstanding accrued leave. However he has taken a break of approximately five weeks leave. "This is to advise that upon advice from his lawyer Sir Michael today (Monday) resumed office. "Sir Michael took leave last year on December 10," Mr Bengo states. But Sir Michael's December 13 press release does not mention any holiday break and

OP/ED The political drama that gripped Papua New Guinea in recent weeks has subsided. A new Governor General has been elected and Parliament has been adjourned to May next year. In the whole episode, two things are clear. The first is the cranks and divisions emerging in the ruling National Alliance Party. While all seems quiet again, we are told, there is rumbling in the ruling National Alliance Party. The events in the last few weeks have highlighted the real threat facing NA and that is that this party, which has been ruling PNG for over 8 years, face disintegration soon. We learnt on the weekend that members of the party, and senior ministers at that, are looking to move out of the party and join the coalition partners. We are informed that party founder and the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is in Port Moresby and is talking with the parliamentary caucus to mend the rifts and consolidate the party. There are speculations that the Grand Chief will resume duty from his holiday be

OP/ED The political drama that gripped Papua New Guinea in recent weeks has subsided. A new Governor General has been elected and Parliament has been adjourned to May next year. In the whole episode, two things are clear. The first is the cranks and divisions emerging in the ruling National Alliance Party. While all seems quiet again, we are told, there is rumbling in the ruling National Alliance Party. The events in the last few weeks have highlighted the real threat facing NA and that is that this party, which has been ruling PNG for over 8 years, face disintegration soon. We learnt on the weekend that members of the party, and senior ministers at that, are looking to move out of the party and join the coalition partners. We are informed that party founder and the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is in Port Moresby and is talking with the parliamentary caucus to mend the rifts and consolidate the party. There are speculations that the Grand Chief will resume duty from his holi

OP/ED PARLIAMENT passed on voices the motion to form a parliamentary committee on the ombudsman so it is uncertain who voted for, who voted against and who abstained. It would be interesting to know because now one member of parliament is calling for the abolition of this committee. Governor Bob Danaya of Western told the media this week that he wanted the committee to be disbanded because it could very well act to deter the Ombudsman Commission from conducting investigations into the duties, functions and responsibilities of politicians as it is tasked to do by the constitution. Danaya said it seemed odd and improper that such a committee was formed to monitor the work of the ombudsman when the OC was tasked to deal with misconduct by leaders. At a time when many leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, have been referred by this body for investigation by leadership tribunals, the existence of such a committee could be seen by the public as creating a perfect opportunity

OP/ED PARLIAMENT passed on voices the motion to form a parliamentary committee on the ombudsman so it is uncertain who voted for, who voted against and who abstained. It would be interesting to know because now one member of parliament is calling for the abolition of this committee. Governor Bob Danaya of Western told the media this week that he wanted the committee to be disbanded because it could very well act to deter the Ombudsman Commission from conducting investigations into the duties, functions and responsibilities of politicians as it is tasked to do by the constitution. Danaya said it seemed odd and improper that such a committee was formed to monitor the work of the ombudsman when the OC was tasked to deal with misconduct by leaders. At a time when many leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, have been referred by this body for investigation by leadership tribunals, the existence of such a committee could be seen by the public as creating a perfect opportun

AAP PAPUA New Guinea has pledged 10 million kina ($4 million) in support for flood-ravaged Australia. PNG, which receives close to $457 million a year from Australia in aid, has also offered military and logistical help. PNG's Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal said he wrote to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard expressing sympathy and condolences to victims of the ongoing tragedy. Mr Abal said in a statement the donation was the least PNG could do for a neighbour and close friend who had helped PNG in numerous natural disasters. The money would benefit those suffering severe flooding in Queensland and parts of NSW, he said. "We are truly sorry and our hearts are with you at this time of great tragedy. "For up to three weeks now, we in PNG have observed and learnt from the media devastating reports of the flood-induced tragedy including the bushfires our southern neighbours have being experiencing. "Australia's steadfast generosity and charity must and should be