2 Jun 2004

PNG Cabinet finalising its position on the planned deployment of Australian police

3:55 pm on 2 June 2004

The Papua New Guinea Cabinet will today develop its final submission on the planned deployment of Australian police and officials to PNG.

The Post Courier reports the Cabinet discussion comes ahead of talks this Friday in Port Moresby between Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, his PNG counterpart, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Internal Security Minister Bire Kimisopa.

The deployment of 230 police and around 70 public servants has been delayed for month, partly by Australia's request that its personnel come under Australian law, which PNG rejects.

The instability within the PNG Parliament has also meant MPs have not been able to pass legislation to cover the deployment.