PNGBLOGS

Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said reported attempts by the Prime Minister to secretly sell valuable public assets to foreign interests, if true, are a sign of his desperation for cash to save his sinking ship. “Ad hoc decision-making like this, not as part of a comprehensive package of rescue measures, will make the nation’s problems worse and reduce the options for properly considered reconstruction in the future.” “We are virtually in the caretaker government period, at which point no significant decisions should be made, especially decisions that rob shareholders and landowners of their rights and the general public of their assets.” Sir Mekere said he had been given reliable information on three asset sales that are allegedly being negotiated behind closed doors – of the State’s 67% share in Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, the State’s 20% share in the Star Mountains Plaza hotel and 100% of APEC Haus. These sales involve very valuable assets, and the risk of selling them

Dear, Minister Pato and Secretary Dihm, Its not an enviable task to be the one delivering unenviable news. Anyway, the Landlord of the Embassy Chancellery, not having received the rental lease payment for the month of March and fearing possible long delays as in the past, and despite assurances, has issued a letter demanding full payment of lease rentals for the month of March and April by the 1st April 2017. The attorney of the Landlord had been copied the letter to its attorney, which essentially is a standing instruction to secure from the courts, an eviction order to effect the eviction of the Embassy from the current chancellery location if said payments are not received in full on or by the date cited in the letter. Attached are Ambassador Mulina's cover letter along with the Letter from the Embassy Landlord. We hope quick appropriate action from headquarters can prevent eviction. Thank you Elias R. Wohengu Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of Papua