Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has lashed out atthe chairman of Ok Tedi anPNGSDP, Sir Mekere Morauta for comments he made aboutthe future oPNG Sustainable Development program.
He saidthe claim thatthe government is planning to expropriate Ok Tedi Mine is false and misleading.
He accused Sir Mekere of being self-serving adding that he would not dothe same injustice Sir Mekere did in 2002 when he gave immunity to BeP.
Prime Minister O’Neill was replying during a media conference yesterday to separate press releases circulated tothe media by Sir Mekere Marauta’s Office.
Sir Mekere claimedthe state was planning to steal Ok Tedi Mining Limited fromthe people of Western Province.
He threatened to take legal action if Mr. O’Neill broughtthe legislation to parliament.
Mr. O’Neill alleged Sir Mekere does not representthe people of Papua New Guinea he represent foreign interest.
What his government (O’Neill – Dion) is trying to do is correct mistakes ofthe past.
“He represents BeP on that particular board. He does not representthe people of Papua New Guinea he does not representthe people of Western Province; and he does not represent Western Provincial Government in any shape what so ever,” said O’Neill.
Prime Minister O’Neill said his government has sought to negotiate with Sir Mekere anPNGSDP to ensure an orderly and transparent transition for the last nine months but he has chosen not to comply.
He sain PNG DP has had mix successes. SocialIndicators in Western Province are testament thatthe funds are not utilized well.
He brushed asidethe notion thaPNGSDP will be done away with altogther.
He said it will continue but its focus will be totally onthe Western Province.
“I want to assurethe people of Western Province thatthey will bethe biggest beneficiary out of this,” said O’Neill.
He said a structure that will makPNGDSP accountable will be established.
North-Fly MP Beka Kondra backedthe governments’ mover.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill confirmed thatthe Bell will be deliberated on in parliament and will most likely be passed through voices.
“Firstly, we are not taking overthe management but we are taking overthe ownership ofthe shares which is rightfully ours inthe first place,” explained O’Neill.
“Secondly, we are saying, RestructurethPNG Sustainable Program,” he said.
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