The National Executive Council has approverd for the deployment ofthe Papua New GuineaDefence Force personnel tothPNGIndonesia border.
This follows reports of harassment and growing illegal activities along that part ofthe border.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this is a national security and territorial integrity issue.
NEC has directedthe Department of Treasury to release K5.1 million to fundthe deployment ofthe soldiers and an inter-agency assessment team.
Cabinet has also directed a medium and long term intervention strategies and programs to be developed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Rimbink Pato will issue a Protest Note totheIndonesian Governmentoexpressin PNG’s concern onthe construction of a military postoa military jetty andthe construction of a lighthouse offshore surveillance facility atthe mouth ofthe Torassi River inthe Western Province.
The minister will also initiate appropriate actions, through normal diplomatic channels.
ThPNG Defence Force has also been called out to assistthe police to address law and order problems alongthe Highlands highway corridor andthPNG LNG project sit’s.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said Cabinet endorsedthe call-out operation for the duration of 12 months.
NEC has directedthe Commissioner of Police andthe Commander ofthPNGDF to work outthe details ofthe call-out for immediate implementation.
Bernadette Efi, National EMTV News
