PNG governor says Australia interferring with national affairs

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PNG Justice Minister and Attorney General, says Australia pressured PNG police to arrest Julian Moti. [ABC]

Last Updated: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:15:00 +1100

The governor of a province in Papua New Guinea has accused Australia of interfering with PNG's sovereignty.

The Post-Courier reports Morobe governor and former national court judge Luther Wenge made the accusation during a parliamentary debate on the case of Julian Moti.

Mr Moti, an Australian citizen, was arrested by PNG police while transiting through Port Moresby on his way to the Solomon Islands.

PNG Justice Minister and Attorney General, Dr Allan Marat ,says Australia pressured PNG police to arrest Mr Moti.

Dr Marat asked why Australian police sought the extradition, after Mr Moti was cleared by the Vanuatu and Queensland Supreme Courts over child sex charges.

Ombudsman defends reports

The PNG Ombudsman Commission has defended the three investigation reports presented to parliament for debate last week, including the Moti report.

A statement released by commission said the investigations were authorized by the constitution.

The commission denied failing to comply with any of its statutory obligations, and said everyone adversely named in the reports were provided an opportunity to comment, including Prime Minister Somare.

The OC says it'll continue to deliver its role as a watchdog according to PNG's Constitution and will not deter on its responsibility to the country.