Guns could be banned in Papua New Guinea under legislation that the government says it is preparing for parliament.
Personal security employees generally carry guns in Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
The Post Courier reports prime minister Peter O'Neill saying the country doesn't need firearms to control law and order.
He says he will be speaking to the Police Commissioner and other leading officials about legislation to ban firearms.
This follows parliamentary comments by the Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas that if PNG outlaws guns, it would go a long way towards maintaining law and order.
Mr O'Neill says he agrees that PNG does not need firearms, indicating his government is serious about legislation to that effect.
He made reference to the recent Pacific Games in PNG where his government made a decision for the disciplinary forces to be unarmed during the duration of the Games.
The prime minister says that to control law and order in PNG, firearms are not needed, but rather it is about the respect of the community, respect of the police officers.
While he said his feeling was that PNG should ban firearms completely across the country, observers suggest a staggered process, providing for restricted use of guns for officers, may be preferrable.
