30 Nov 2004

Political leaders to try and negotiate with tribe after violent clash in PNG's Western Highlands

7:45 pm on 30 November 2004

Provincial leaders from Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands, will mediate between the Eastern Highlands Kimi tribe and the Moge from Western Highlands.

The groups fought last week in the Western Highlands capital, Mt Hagen leaving several dead and more than a dozen injured.

The National reports the police chief for the Eastern Highlands, Philip Solala, saying senior Goroka police would accompany the leaders.

The Deputy Governor for the Eastern Highlands, Joksy Nakime, says they want to try and negotiate peace with the Moge tribal leaders.

Mr Nakime says the lack of a communication between the two provincial governments has aggravated matters.