3 Sep 2012

PNG lifts ban on foreign journalists covering Manus Island story

12:48 pm on 3 September 2012

The Papua New Guinea government has lifted a ban on foreign journalists entering PNG to cover the Manus Island asylum centre story.

The National newspaper says the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has confirmed the lifting of the temporary ban.

Manus Island and Nauru have agreed with Canberra to reopen facilities for processing asylum seekers trying to reach Australia.

West Sepik Governor Amkat Mai was among critics of the ban on foreign journalists saying the previous government was toppled over a lack of transparency.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato earlier said the ban was necessary while PNG sorted through internal issues.

The paper reports Mr Pato is due back in the country today and is expected to finalise plans for the opening of the centre.