The retired colonel who claims to have seized control of Papua New Guinea's military has threatened to use "necessary actions" to resolve the country's political stand off.
Colonel Yaura Sasa has told reporters in Port Moresby that soldiers under his control fired several shots this morning as they stormed barracks and took defence force commander Francis Agwi hostage under house arrest.
The former defense attaché to Indonesia said the action did not amount to a military mutiny or takeover, but said he had been appointed commander by former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
He called on Sir Michael and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to return to parliament to resolve what he called the country's constitutional impasse within seven days.
Our sister station in PNG, YUMI FM Editor, Joy Kisselpar said Peter O'Neill is still leading the country and said Francis Agwi who is currently under house arrest is still PNG's Defence Force Commander.
Joy Kisselpar reports from Port Moresby.
Joy confirmed that it is peaceful in Port Moresby despite the Commander being under house arrest and Sasa claiming to be the new Commander.
Meanwhile the ABC reports that PNG's deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah told reporters that 15 of the 30 or so men supporting Colonel Sasa have been arrested.
Namah, a former soldier, said the Colonel does not have the support of the wider military and that he should give himself up.
He said Colonel Sasa's actions amount to mutiny, which carries the death penalty.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
