24 Nov 2006

PNG says now no restrictions on its RAMSI personnel training in Australia

6:20 pm on 24 November 2006

Papua New Guinea police will continue to take part in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomons Islands, RAMSI.

Earlier this month it was reported that PNG was pulling out of the mission because it was thought a ban on entering Australia stopped its RAMSI personnel from attending an induction course there.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have been involved in a diplomatic spat over the Julian Moti affair with both countries suspending government level contacts.

But, in a sign that relations are now improving, a source in the Papua New Guinea foreign minister's office says the six police who are due to serve in Honiara, will shortly travel to Townsville as originally planned for the induction course.