1 Feb 2007

Warrant out for PNG Defence secretary

10:34 am on 1 February 2007

A warrant is out for the arrest of Papua New Guinea's Defence Secretary, Frederick Punangi, and have him brought before the Defence inquiry into the Julian Moti affair.

The newspaper, The National, reports that Mr Punangi is wanted to explain why he is delaying allowances for the funding of the inquiry.

The investigation into who helped the Solomon Island's suspended Attorney General leave PNG in a defence force plane last October began in December and is to report to the Defence Minister next month.

The warrant is based on an application by a senior counsel assisting the inquiry, John Kawi.

It stems from Mr Punangi's refusal since last week to sign the release of funds for the general operations of the inquiry for this month.

Part of the funding was also to enable the inquiry personnel to travel to Solomon Islands.

Mr Punangi has failed to meet appointments to meet the inquiry board.