18 Aug 2005

PNG Opposition leader says he will beat charges of misappropriation and conspiracy

7:05 pm on 18 August 2005

Papua New Guinea's Opposition Leader Peter O'Neill says he is more than confident that charges of misappropriation and conspiracy brought against him will evaporate in the face of evidence.

The eight counts relate to the financial collapse in 2000 of the PNG government superannuation scheme, the National Provident Fund.

Mr O'Neill, who made his first appearance in court today (thursday), claims the charges are politically motivated and says he will sue the state, its agencies and those individuals involved.

Meanwhile the Deputy Opposition Leader, Andrew Baing, says the Opposition has endorsed Mr O'Neill as Leader.

"We have faith in our judiciary system and our parliamentary system and we will give our support to Mr O'Neill as our Leader in the Opposition and we believe that justice will be taking its course and he will successfully defend himself."