No resolution to crisis in PNG

There's still no resolution to the crisis in Papua New Guinea.

The situation in Papua New Guinea is becoming increasingly confusing, with no end to the political stalemate in sight.

PNG now has two rival Prime Ministers, two cabinets, two Governor-generals and two police commissioners.

Senior reporter of our sister station in PNG, Nau FM’s Roland Banapa said they do not know what will happen when the PNG parliament resumes in the next hour.

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Neither Peter O’Neill nor Sir Michael Somare is backing down from their claim to be the country’s legitimate leader.

The director of PNG’s Institute of National Affairs, Paul Barker has told Radio Australia that churches and non government organisations are urging the two sides to form a unity government until next year’s election.

He said the stalemate is confusing and potentially dangerous.

The longer it continues, he said, the greater the risk of protests and riots.

The former head of PNG’s defence force, General Jerry Singirok said the country’s current commander has made the right decision by staying out of the current political crisis.

O’Neill was sworn in as prime minister late yesterday by the man he has designated as the interim governor-general of PNG.

He earlier announced he is suspending Governor-general Sir Michael Ogio because he has failed to live up to his responsibilities.
 
Speaker Geoffrey Nape then claimed he is the acting governor-general and swore in O’Neill as the country’s prime minister, along with several MPs as ministers.

It is unclear how his rival, Sir Michael will react to this move but, on the same morning, Michael Ogio   who has been the governor-general since the start of the year   swore in 19 members of the Sir Michael Somare’s cabinet.


Story by: Vijay Narayan