23 Nov 2005

PNG acts to stop more Fijians making their way into Bougainville

2:34 pm on 23 November 2005

Fiji's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, says the PNG Government is monitoring all flights from Fiji to stop any more Fijians going to Bougainville province.

Nine Fijians, mostly former soldiers, have been within the no go zones of the main island for several weeks.

They are understood to be training people in the use of guns, but the purpose of that training is not known.

The Bougainville Police Minister, Ezekiel Massat, says the reports they have indicate the men may be trying to undermine the new government.

"The province's Executive Council is holding an emergency meeting today (wed.) to discuss the matter."

There are reports that up to 300 more Fijians may be planning to go to Bougainville, but they are likely to be stopped by PNG authorities.

Meanwhile, Ratu Inoke says he will not know until later this week whether an envoy sent by the High Commission to persuade the Fijians to leave Bougainville has had any success.