27 Jan 2007

PNG Prime Minister could face another call to appear before Moti inquiry

10:24 am on 27 January 2007

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Board of Inquiry may renew its call for Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to appear before it.

The Post Courier newspaper reports that the prime minister may be summonsed to give evidence depending on the results of the board's visit to Solomon Islands, where people who may have knowledge of the clandestine operation to smuggle Australian lawyer Julian Moti out of PNG will be questioned.

The board plans to interview senior officials of the government of Solomon Islands who may have information regarding Julian Moti's flight to the Solomons on October 10th.

The inquiry also expects to interview Mr Moti.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Francis Kuvi says the inquiry has fulfilled some of its terms of reference and hopes to complete its final report before the end of next month