MEDIA RELEASE : AIR NIUGINI DECLARES PACIFIC GUARDIAN REPORT AS FAKE NEWS

Air Niugini is the national airline of Papua New Guinea, and recently celebrated 50 years of operation. The airline proudly serves the people with competent, accessible, reliable air transport services.

A series of online articles written and published by Pacific Guardian attempt to discredit the integrity of the airline, its management team, and its Board of Directors.

The Pacific Guardian report of 17th February 2024 titled “AIR NIUGINI CANCELS LEASE AGREEMENT AT COST OF REPUTATION OF FUTURE LEASES”, made several false and misleading allegations.

1. Air Niugini is NOT cancelling the wet lease agreement early. The SkyUp Airlines Boeing 737 lease agreement is being operated to the full agreed term. The lease is not being cut short.

2. Air Niugini is satisfied that the aircraft has achieved its objectives, though additional flights to other PNG centres would have been preferred.

3. The Air Niugini Acting CEO and his team negotiated the rate with SkyUp Airlines LLC, of Kiev, Ukraine. The terms and duration of the lease arrangement were also negotiated by the Air Niugini team.

4. Air Niugini did NOT pay K30million for ‘extra two engines’ for the ‘Bird of Paradise painted...’ aircraft. The engines were free of any charges, funded entirely by the lessor, as per the terms and conditions of the negotiated arrangement.

5. Air Niugini is NOT on a ‘lease blacklist’, as the SkyUp Airlines lease was not terminated. No such list exists.

6. Air Niugini states the SkyUp Airlines lease arrangement was beneficial. Though, as previously stated, Air Niugini had hoped the aircraft would have serviced more of its domestic network, however limitations and restrictions at domestic airports prevented this from occurring.

7. The Air Niugini management and board, including the Acting CEO and Chairman, have extensive experience negotiating these arrangements. This has been demonstrated widely from the negotiation of aircraft purchase agreements with Boeing and Airbus to arrangements that brought catering services back to the company. The management team boasts some of the most experienced aviation specialists in the industry – experience gained from globally recognised airlines, and not just in PNG.

The management of Air Niugini acknowledges the poor quality of the articles, evidently authored by individuals lacking in-depth understanding of the subject matter. However, such inadequacy does not justify the propagation of falsehoods.

Air Niugini reaffirms its commitment to addressing the challenges stemming from years of mismanagement and poor decision-making. Supported by the board of directors and Kumul Consolidated Holdings, our shareholder, the management team has committed to introduce new aircraft to PNG, in 2025. These new arrivals are currently scheduled to arrive in September, coinciding with our nation's 50th anniversary of independence, marking a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea and Air Niugini, as well as for our loyal customers and dedicated team members.

The Acting CEO and his team are cognizant of individuals seeking to destabilise the airline, some of whom are former Air Niugini employees who owe much to the company. Fabricated news and baseless accusations will no longer be tolerated or overlooked. We are committed to safeguarding the reputation of the Air Niugini team, the company, our board, and our shareholder. Any falsehoods will be rebutted, and we will take legal action against those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

The management and board of Air Niugini extend their heartfelt gratitude to the SkyUp Airlines team as they prepare to return to Europe after an extended period away from home since December 2023.

Ends…//

Corporate Communications Department, Air Niugini

Monday 19 February 2024

POLICE TO ENFOREC LAWS PROTECTING NATIONAL INTEREST AND MAINATIANING PUBLIC SAFETY DUE TO PUMA PROBLEM

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

NEWS RELEASE: 22 February 22, 2024

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has urged the public and businesses to be patient as fuel is rationed due to the failure of Puma Energy to replenish supplies around the country.

Commissioner Manning said the RPNGC has plans in place to enforce government policy decisions and regulations for the allocation of fuel supplies, and to investigate any breach of national laws by Puma Energy and its executive officers.

“We are dealing with a serious energy security problem that has impacts right across the country affecting communities, and government and business functions”, the Commissioner said.

“If the situation deteriorates further, the Police Force awaits government policy directives on ensuring the security of fuel distribution with an anticipated priority on essential services including hospitals and ambulances.

“The RPNGC is in contact with our government agencies to ensure there is coordination and communication to ensure the rule of law is maintained.

“The actions of Puma Energy have been drawn into question, and police are responding to any complaint referred to the RPNGC requiring investigation.

“No company or its executives are above the laws and regulations of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

“Police will enforce laws and regulations to ensure security and safety for the public and businesses”.

The Commissioner said the shortage of fuel is causing frustrations for consumers and businesses, and he has called for tolerance as the problem is sought to be resolved.

“The situation created by Puma to stop the import of fuel into the country is impacting on lives and businesses around the country.

“We need fuel for families in their daily lives, and for businesses to operate and keep their people employed, and this fuel shortage is causing pain.

“Long lines at petrol stations to purchase fuel can lead to tension as people wait for their turn at the pump.

“I ask the public to be patient as they wait and respect your fellow Papua New Guineans, because everyone is in the same situation.

“Ideally plan when you will go to a petrol station and, if possible, go at non-peak times when the lines might be shorter.

“For the Public and business, it is also advisable to limit your travel so that you can conserve the fuel that you have in your tank and do not have to go back to the station too soon.

“Finally, we all need to be respectful and not air frustrations at petrol station staff, they are just doing their jobs and the shortage of fuel is not their fault”.

David Manning MBE, DPS, O. St J, OPM

Commissioner of Police

Kerenga Kua Resigns As Minister For Energy, Fueling Speculation Of Vote Of No Confidence

Port Moresby, 26/1/2024 - In a dramatic turn of events, Hon Kerenga Kua MP announced his resignation as Minister for Energy during an official press conference held at Dream Inn, Port Moresby. The press conference, attended by numerous media representatives, featured a notable statement from Sir Dr Puka Temu MP: "Never Change a tap that’s not leaking." The cryptic remark from Sir Dr Puka Temu added an air of intrigue to the unfolding situation.

Hon Kua, in his letter addressed to Prime Minister Marape, outlined his reasons for stepping down from his ministerial position. Describing it as an act to "take the fall for our people," Hon Kua emphasized his commitment to serving the interests of the citizens. The resignation comes as a surprise and raises questions about the internal dynamics of the Marape-Rosso Government.

As the dust settles from Hon Kua's resignation, political observers are now closely watching the developments leading up to a Vote of No Confidence (VONC). The game is set to commence on 9/2/2024, adding an element of uncertainty to the political landscape. With speculations and tensions rising, the nation waits eagerly to see how the events will unfold in the coming weeks, as the government faces a potential shakeup.

Source: PNG Facts

Chuave MP James Nomane Resigns From Government, Calls For PM Marape's Immediate Resignation Amidst City Unrest

In a significant development, Chuave MP James Nomane, also serving as the Vice Minister of National Planning, has resigned from the government and is now fervently calling for the resignation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape. This demand follows a wave of widespread unrest, violent killings, and the burning and looting of businesses in the capital city of Port Moresby.

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Nomane explicitly places blame on Prime Minister Marape, accusing him of indecisive actions that have fueled the escalating chaos in Port Moresby. The city is currently experiencing unprecedented turmoil, and Nomane squarely attributes responsibility to the Prime Minister.

In a viral video post, Nomane delivers a direct message, stating, "No blame games, no excuses—the bug stops with the Prime Minister. He must resign." Nomane holds Marape accountable for the economic downturn, failures in health and education, and what he terms as the alarming descent of the country into a "banana republic."

Advocating for a change in leadership, MP Nomane calls upon all Members of Parliament to unite and spearhead a comprehensive government overhaul. He asserts that the current administration is neglecting the well-being of the people and emphasizes the urgent need for a new direction.

Nomane goes beyond Marape, singling out Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey and demanding his immediate resignation for spreading falsehoods and misleading the public. The call for accountability extends further to Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili, accused of neglecting the pay and conditions of PNG police and eroding the standards of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The turmoil in Port Moresby, marked by burning buildings, ransacked shops, and widespread looting, is seen by Nomane as a manifestation of the frustrations felt by the people. In his impassioned plea, he implores fellow MPs not to remain complacent in their comfort zones but to actively address the concerns of the citizens and prioritize the nation's welfare.

As the city continues to witness unrest and citizens suffer, the reverberations of the call for Prime Minister Marape's resignation resonate loudly, underscoring the urgent need for a change in leadership to reclaim the country, its economy, and the well-being of its people. The situation remains tense as authorities grapple with the fallout from the unrest in Port Moresby.

Source:

PNG Facts

Supermarkets To Open Tomrrow

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA

"This is to inform all members that Metsupt and I , after assessing the situation with Zone Commanders,  have sent word out to major supermarkets to open for business tomorrow."

This was the advisory statement sent by NCD and Central commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthomy Wagambie Jr. 

"We have advised them to open for business between 9am and 10am," he added. 

"Zone Commanders will be deploying units to be static within the premises for the morning part. Sector Patrol , Mobile Squad and the PNG Defence Force will be used ."

Once they open and start trading, everything else such as service stations Etc will also open he stressed. 

"We will commence restoring normalcy back to the City."

The shops expected to open include:

1. Vision City

2. Waterfront

3. Food world

4. Stop and Shop Waigani Central and other remaining 

5. Elisio Rainbow will see if they can. If not then next week 

6. Range view to be checked in the morning

"Smaller shopping marts owned by Chinese community will also gradually open during the day,' he added. 

"All members and units must ensure there is no disturbance."

Prime Minister, James Marape has taken the opportunity to clarify recent reports

Prime Minister, James Marape has taken the opportunity to clarify recent reports concerning his meeting with Indonesian President H.E. Joko Widodo on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Jakarta regarding the West Papua issue.

 In an effort to rectify any misinformation and alleviate concerns raised within Melanesian Solidarity Group (MSG) countries, West Papua, Indonesia, and the international community, Prime Minister Marape issued a statement addressing the inaccuracies.

"An earlier statement released without consent wrongfully said that at the recently-concluded MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, I informed leaders of PNG’s abstaining from supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) bid for full membership, plus a notation that human rights issues in West Papua are of no concern to PNG. I wish to clarify these misconstrued assertions.”

Prime Minister Marape corrects that , "Papua New Guinea never abstained from West Papua matters at the MSG meeting, but rather, offered solutions that affirmed Indonesian sovereignty over her territories and at the same time supported the collective MSG position to back the Pacific Islands Forum Resolution of 2019 on United Nations to assess if there are human right abuses in West Papua and Papua provinces of Indonesia.”

Regarding his meeting with President Widodo, Prime Minister Marape highlighted: "In the meeting with President Widodo, we stressed our respect for Indonesian sovereignty and their territorial rights, but on matters of human rights, I pointed out the collective Melanesian and Pacific resolutions for the United Nations to be allowed to ascertain these allegations. I also relayed the message that four leaders of Melanesian countries resolved to visit him at his convenience to discuss this matter on Human rights”. 

He further revealed, "President Widodo responded that the MSG leaders are welcome to meet him and invited them to an October meeting subject on  the availability of all leaders. He assured me that all is okay in the two Papuan provinces and invited other PNG  leaders to visit these provinces.”

 Prime Minister Marape indicated that at a senior leadership level,  led by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, “PNG leaders can visit West Papua and look into these matters and see firsthand what is happening so we ascertain facts on matters in respect to human rights”.

“When matters concerning ULMWP’s application for membership was raised, I indicated that the presence of Indonesia on MSG as an Associate Member and ULMWP as observer is sufficient for the moment. MSG has placed a moratorium on new membership until the criteria for membership is reviewed,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“This clarification aims to clear misconceptions and apprehensions that may have been caused by an earlier misquoted press release that is doing the rounds.”

MSG 22 - 1969 'Midnight Cry' : PIF Resolution Looms! Again?

Prime Minister James Marape is in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. Again. He pushes PNG's national interest.

The most recent MSG Leaders Summit 22 failed to resolve the West Papua issue. But, for now.

We chronicle the long road to freedom for West Papua.

The critical points:

1. MSG Leaders Summit 22 held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 23 - 24 August 2023 resolved to give one year moratorium before a decision is made on full membership for West Papua.

2. If full membership is granted, the process of decolonization is seen to be stepped up by MSG. Indonesia is playing its card to stop the decision citing its claim to sovereignty over the former Dutch colony.

3. Any UN resolution on West Papua requires the PIF collectively to respond to human rights reports including demands for self determination by indigenous Papuans brought to its notice.

4. West Papua is already before the PIF for deliberation. In 2018, it called for a fact - finding mission. Indonesia did not respond.

5. United Liberation Movement For West Papua (ULMWP) application for membership is to push the hand of PIF to act on West Papua.

So, here is the latest story of West Papua at the time MSG 22 met in Port Vila.

Key Trends:

✓ Armed clashes between state forces and the TPNPB have risen since 2018. Clashes increased by nearly 80% in 2021 in comparison with 2020.4

✓ Since 2018, armed clashes have spread geographically outside of the traditional TPNPB stronghold in the Black Triangle regencies of Puncak Jaya, Lanny Jaya, and Mimika (IPAC, 13 July 2022), with notable increases in the regencies of Intan Jaya, Puncak, and Yahukimo. Since the beginning of 2021, armed clashes between state forces and the TPNPB have been reported in over 20 new locations across the region where they had not previously been recorded in the ACLED dataset, which begins in 2015 for Indonesia.

✓ Violence targeting Papuan civilians by state forces and violence targeting civilians by the TPNPB have continued at high levels over the past two years, with a notable increase in TPNPB civilian targeting since 2020.

✓ Indonesian state security forces have dispersed or repressed peaceful protests featuring Papuans and Papuan groups more frequently than those not featuring Papuans and Papuan groups.

MSG 22 resolution on West Papua has implications in light of the story of West Papua.

The ' low - level insurgency' seems more transformed in terms of science of armed combat aimed at the outcomes set.

For instance, TPNPB has moved from using rudimentary weapons to a growing supply of firearms, with police forces claiming that the TPNPB had purchased guns from dealers in Ambon, Papua New Guinea, and indirectly from the Philippines (Tribunnews, 23 May 2022).

On several occasions, members of state forces have been arrested for their involvement in gun trading with the TPNPB (Kompas, 24 February 2021). The increased supply of weapons has translated into more sustained battles as opposed to the hit-and-run incidents more often reported in the past (IPAC, 13 July 2022)

Read. Here:

https://acleddata.com/.../papuan-independence-and.../

(Photo caption: PM James Marape - he steps up on PNG/ Indonesia bilateral relations; in Jakarta, today for business deals signed with Indonesia; MSG 22 - West Papua issue left on the table for PIF to address; ULMWP leaders and diplomats - diplomatic option for roadmap to freedom for West Papua through decolonization still on track?; West Papua issue - it cannot be rushed, nor wished away)

Citing ‘God of Israel,’ Papua New Guinea becomes 5th nation to open Jerusalem embassy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape (C) open Papua New Guineas embassy in Jerusalem, September 5, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)

Papua New Guinea opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape.

“Today is a milestone moment for my country Papua New Guinea,” Marape said. “We are here to give respect to the people of Israel to the fullest.”

Marape was explicit in laying out the religious motivation for the move, which makes Papua New Guinea the fifth country to open its embassy in Israel’s capital.

Papua New Guinea opened its embassy in Jerusalem “because of our shared heritage, acknowledging the creator God, the Yahweh God of Israel, the Yahweh God of Isaac and Abraham,” said Marape.

“You have been the great custodian of the moral values that were passed for humanity,” Marape said to Netanyahu.

“Many nations choose not to open their embassies in Jerusalem but we made the conscious choice. This has been the universal capital of the nation and people of Israel. For us to call ourselves Christians, paying respect to God will not be complete without recognizing that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and nation of Israel.”

Over 95 percent of Papua New Guineans are Christians, with Catholics forming the largest denomination.

Marape also asked Israel to open an embassy in Port Moresby, and offered to provide the land for the mission. There are currently no plans to do so, the Foreign Ministry told The Times of Israel.

Israel’s relations with the island nation, which were established in 1978, are handled by its embassy in Australia.

For us to call ourselves Christians, paying respect to God will not be complete without recognizing that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and nation of Israel.

The embassy is located in the Jerusalem Technology Park at the southern end of the city, where Guatemala and Honduras also have their embassies.

Marape told local media before taking off for his trip that Israel would fund much of the costs of the office for the first two years, and he confirmed this at Tuesday’s ceremony. Israel’s Channel 12 news on Wednesday quoted the Foreign Ministry saying similar arrangements apply for the embassies in Jerusalem of Honduras and Kosovo.

Marape also said that Israel was helping Port Moresby find a permanent location for its embassy.

“This is where so much of our heritage emerged from,” Netanyahu responded at the ceremony. “This is where our values were forged. This is where our prophets prophesied.”

“I think it’s fitting that a state and a people so deeply committed to these values do what you just did,” he continued.

Netanyahu was joined by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who had landed back in Israel hours earlier following his trip to Bahrain, and by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.

Netanyahu held a meeting with Marape in his office before the ceremony.

Marape also toured Jerusalem’s Old City and Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Tuesday with his delegation, which includes a number of local pastors.

In February, the Foreign Ministry announced that Port Moresby would be making the move, after Foreign Minister Eli Cohen spoke with his Papua New Guinean counterpart, Justin Tkachenko.

Papua New Guinea’s embassy opening came on the heels of two similar announcements from other countries. In late August, Sierra Leone said that it would open an embassy in Jerusalem. Paraguay announced the week before that it would reopen its embassy in the Israeli capital as well.

Currently, the US, Guatemala, Honduras and Kosovo have embassies in Jerusalem.

Israel sees the moves as strengthening its claim to the city as its capital, though most foreign countries situate their embassies in or near Tel Aviv.

Hungary and Fiji are expected to announce embassy moves in the coming months as well.

Papua New Guinea is one of the Pacific nations that regularly vote with Israel at the United Nations, and Tkachenko told Cohen during their call that his country would continue to do so. In December, Papua New Guinea was one of the 25 countries that joined Israel in opposing the UN General Assembly resolution requesting that the International Court of Justice weigh in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, in 2018 it voted to condemn the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, while five other Pacific nations rejected the condemnation.

The island nation’s geopolitical importance is on the rise as China and the US jockey for influence in the country and neighboring states in the Pacific Ocean. US President Joe Biden canceled a much-anticipated trip there in May, sending US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his stead.

Source: Times of Israel

PM MARAPE ADAMANT ON BUILDING K200 BILLION ECONOMY

Media Statement 

13 August 2022

James Marape in his inauguration address as Prime Minister in the 11th National Parliament yesterday, 9 August anchored his statement on the remarks he made in Parliament on May 30, 2019.

PM Marape said, “I want Papua New Guinea in the next decade to be a K200 billion economy. I wanted Papua New Guinea to be the Richest Black Christian Nation on Earth.”

The PM emphasized that his statement recognized that Papua New Guinea’s political forebears ushered in political independence in 1975.

He said they crafted legislations, built institutions, wrote policies and established relationships to deliver us political independence.

Marape says, “This generation of leaders must deliver economic independence to Papua New Guinea. That PANGU has secured the mandate from Papua New Guinea can only mean that our people in the length and breadth of this country support this intention.”

He reiterated that his government is consistent with Vision 2050 on the development phases of the country to be smart, wise, fair, healthy, and a happy society by 2050.

“It aligns nicely in that we are called to deliver economic enablers to fast-track development. Fast-track we must, as we do not have the luxury of time to wait around for things to happen at their pace,” said PM Marape.

Prime Minister, James Marape today met with the United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

Prime Minister, James Marape today met with the United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III as Papua New Guinea and USA continue to work at taking their deepening bilateral relation to the next level. 

The visit by Secretary Austin to Port Moresby and his meeting with PM Marape is a follow-up to the signing of two significant agreements – the Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Shiprider Agreement – between the two countries in May this year, undertaken by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and PNG Defense Minster Hon. Win Daki in Port Moresby. 

At today’s bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Marape and Secretary Austin continued to discuss the details and the benefits of the agreements, and United States’ commitment to securing PNG’s sovereignty, as well as its commitment to securing a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Marape said in a media statement that he appreciated the US’  “3D approach of Diplomacy and Defense followed by Development”, that is being seen in the recent engagements, and the upcoming visit of the head of USAID to Port Moresby to formally signal this office to report directly to Washington DC instead of through the Manila, Philippines office. 

“I take special note of the purpose of Secretary Austin’s visit  which is to show commitment in defense and security following the singing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Shiprider Agreement during Secretary Blinken’s visit in PNG in May this year,” PM Marape said. 

“The DCA heralds a new chapter in PNG and USA relations, as these agreements form the basis for strengthening and consolidating closer cooperation between our two countries.

“One of the key objectives of the PNG government is for our country to pursue and enhance closer trade and economic ties with key bilateral and multilateral partners, including with the United States under Biden’s leadership. 

“In that connection, PNG views the US as a key partner to enhance and diversify trade and economic relations, either through a bilateral or a regional trade arrangement.

“Consistent with President Biden’s call and challenge to American corporations to develop cleaner technology, the Pacific Island region offers great investment opportunities for US companies through public-private partnerships,” said the Prime Minister. 

PM Marape continued by promoting Papua New Guinea’s expanding potential in agriculture and the supply of fresh organic foods to the world, including the United States, while he encouraged the American business community to take more interest in PNG.

In Climate Change mitigation, also a security issue, Prime Minister Marape reminded the US government through Secretary Austin about the Pacific region’s continued vulnerability to rising sea levels and climate-induced natural calamities, and that all nations with interest in the Pacific must take collective action to follow through on general conversations that have been held repeatedly over time.   

“While we invite the US to pursue its interests in the region from a geopolitical and geostrategic context, I urge the United States to adjust its lens so that it can truly understand the real needs of the region,” said PM Marape. 

PM Marape also highlighted PNG’s impending 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025 and invited US partnership leading up to and its presence at this major national event.