Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has put his foot down, and wants any investigation conducted in Manus, to come under PNG authorities.
Mr. O’Neill urged all interested parties to allow investigations that are ongoing into the violence at the Manus Processing Centre to be completed, and not speculate on what happened there.
He once again brushed aside media reports that locals were involved.
A final report is yet to be furnished as investigations into the Manus Asylum Centre saga continue.
However, reports by international media organizations about locals being involved in the incident have upset the Prime Minister.
Mr. O’Neill, in a statement, said he is concerned that sections of the media were relying on unnamed sources, without verifying their facts that portrayed Manus people as warriors who knocked down the fence and attacked asylum seekers.
He said the Manus people are peace-loving and very friendly and reports he received, suggest no local involvement in the violence.
The Prime Minister also noted reports that Justice David Canning’s would be making human rights inquiries into the incident, and that the Australian Senate would also be conducting its own review.
Mr. O’Neill stressed that Manus was part of PNG and jurisdictions apply there as well.
He welcomed Judge Canning’s visit to the Centre and told all officials there to cooperate with him and ensure all his queries are answered without reservation.
The Prime Minister made this remark earlier in parliament.
Meanwhile, the Australian government continues to present a variety of benefits to the people of Manus.
It was just announced today that students will receive first-hand information about applying for Australia Awards scholarships when information sessions are conducted on Monday 10 March, in Lorengau.
This visit is part of the Australia Awards 2014 provincial road show.
Information sessions are planned for Manus Secondary School, ECOM Secondary and Papitalai Secondary including Lorengau Hospital and the Provincial Administration Office.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=S0r8sk-u9T8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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