PNG envoy to Indonesia is recalled

Papua New Guinea's Ambassador to Indonesia Peter Ilau is being recalled to Waigani for consultations with the government on the Falcon jet incident over Indonesian airspace on November 29 last year.

The O’Neill-Namah government made the decision at their Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the recall of the PNG head of diplomatic mission in Indonesia was part of the government’s deliberate effort clear the Falcon jet incident.

“We are recalling our PNG Ambassador to Indonesia for consultation,” Neill said.

“Cabinet has supported the continued maintenance of diplomatic relations with Indonesia as being vital to PNG’s long term interest.

“We have decided to request the government of the Republic of Indonesia through diplomatic channels to provide further explanations and clarifications on certain technical matters relating to the Falcon incident and we seek an official report from them on the incident.

“Cabinet further approved and directed the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority and Air Niugini to provide to Cabinet within two weeks, the full report of the incident with appropriate recommendations to fully address the matter.”

O’Neill said the Chief Secretary to Government ManasupeZurenuoc had been directed to coordinate with all key stakeholders of government, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade as the lead player for diplomatic dialogue with Indonesia.

“It is our government’s desire to ensure that this incident is adequately and fully resolved as soon as possible, " O’Neill said.