QResear.ch

#20231081 at 2024-01-12 14:54:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #34: UNITED AGAINST THE INVISIBLE ENEMY OF ALL HUMANITY Edition

>>20231077

2/2

Mr Marape had flagged "state of emergency arrangements in the city and urban areas" earlier on Thursday.

He said the participation by police members in Wednesday's protest over underpayments to public sector workers had "led to riots and looting in certain parts of our city", and offenders in "other centres are trying to copy what happened in Port Moresby".

The Prime Minister said the country was facing difficult economic times, and "such lawlessness does not help".

He encouraged "all our citizens to step up and give respect to your country".

A number of the dead were reported to have died of gunshot wounds, while paramedics also treated patients for severe burns.

Video footage showed looters in the capital dashing into stores through smashed glass windows, stuffing stolen goods into cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys and plastic buckets.

One man was seen lugging an entire chest freezer away on his shoulders. Buildings and cars were set alight, stirring up thick plumes of black smoke that hung over the worst-hit parts of the city.

The unrest comes as a grace period preventing a vote of no confidence in Mr Marape's leadership is due to expire next month.

Former prime minister Peter O'Neill called on Mr Marape to resign on Thursday. "You have failed in your duties and must now do the honourable thing and step down," Mr O'Neill said.

He said the Prime Minister was "out of touch and thinking of himself and his cronies rather than the people".

"There is no shame in taking responsibility but it is absolutely shameful to continue knowing you have lost command and control," he said.

One of the MPs to resign from the government, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, said he was "shocked and ashamed of the level of chaos and civil unrest our capital faced because of bureaucratic negligence and confusion".

"Throughout the ordeal, I felt your silence and inaction to handle the situation was deplorable," he wrote in a letter to Mr Marape.

National Capital District governor Powes Parkop said the unrest represented an "unpre?cedented level of strife" in Port Moresby.

"What is most important is that we must end this strife," Mr Parkop told a local radio station.

"Nobody will be a winner in this type of civil unrest."

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/china-warns-png-on-citizen-safety-after-businesses-looted-torched/news-story/0e0d7e6805a7e5b1ec0ca96593fa38c2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8V9O1gdBso

#16707480 at 2022-07-10 18:47:26 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>16707476

2/2

The withdrawal of Kiribati, revealed by New Zealand's 1News, presents fresh challenges for Australia, which is relying on regional unity to keep China at bay.

The government was heartened in May by the rejection by 10 Pacific nations of a proposed ?regional security agreement with China, on the grounds the Pacific forum needed to consider it before a decision could be reached.

China, which is a forum "dialogue partner" but not a member like Australia, has not been invited to the summit.

But in an audacious diplomatic move, Beijing has invited the same Pacific states to attend a virtual meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday - the same day as the forum leaders' meeting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Solomon Islands had granted entry to Australian aid workers during the pandemic but advisers were now facing delays. "Currently, visa arrangements for five specific advisers are awaiting Solomon Islands approval," a spokeswoman said.

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said Mr Sogavare had previously "slowed down" the entry of US diplomatic and project staff, "so I am not surprised he is making it hard for Australian advisers".

"He has made himself a puppet of China," Mr Wale said.

After last year's violent protests targeting government buildings and Chinese businesses, Beijing sent at least six security advisers to Honiara, together with donated equipment, to help train local police in Chinese riot control tactics.

Mr Sogavare, in a speech last Thursday to mark Solomon Islands' Independence Day, praised China's "genuine intention" to be a "worthy partner" in his country's development.

He did not specifically mention Australia in the speech but, after months of tensions between the countries, declared that "relationships at times can sour".

New Zealand's Anne-Marie Brady, an expert on China's interests in the Pacific, said the Chinese Communist Party was "running Sogavare like a puppet on a string".

"Xi Jinping seems to be demanding a deliverable on the ?Pacific before the 20th party congress (later this year)," Professor Brady said.

"We will see very soon if the existing Pacific institutions like the PIF and (the region's) partnership with the US, Australia, NZ and other states can withstand the pressure."

In a recent phone call, Mr Sogavare assured Mr Albanese that Australia remained his country's "security partner of choice".

Australian and US officials remain concerned Solomon Islands' security agreement with China could open the way for a Chinese base in the country.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape will attend the forum, which falls during the voting period for the national election. His main leadership rival, former prime minister Peter O'Neill, said he had information Mr Marape was attending "to push for China's inclusion in this important regional group".

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/solomon-islands-blocks-australian-aid-workers/news-story/bf0857f97ffab01b3a354c2730fe702c

#16701738 at 2022-07-10 01:22:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

#23 and #24 - Part 17
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>16356449 China inks deal on economic technologies with Samoa during FM's trip, welcomes partnership with Australia, NZ to help PICs - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>16356468 China's FM visits the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati, where the future of a vast fishing ground is at stake.
>>16356495 Wang's visit to Kiribati shows devt opportunities, injects firmness to one-China principle - Zhang Hui and Hu Yuwei - globaltimes.cn
>>16356551 New Australian foreign minister Penny Wong's rhetoric of leaving regional security to Pacific region shows hypocrisy, double standard - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>16356601 Why China's Pacific sweet talk will fail - Beijing's plan to corral ten Pacific Island countries into an exclusive grouping is a daring attempt to take control of the region - Peter Jennings - theaustralian.com.au
>>16361632 Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Republic of Fiji - Statement by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji on the China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation
>>16361649 More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel will travel to Papua New Guinea in coming months to help the country conduct its national election, combat cyber threats and conduct joint exercises amid a growing tussle for influence between Australia and China in the region
>>16366827 We're turning to China because you neglect us, says East Timor president Jose Ramos-Horta
>>16366850 Fijian vow to hold the line on China influence - China's aggressive bid to exert power in the South Pacific will meet strong resistance if Fiji's former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka returns to office this year, with the two-time coup leader vowing to side with Australia as Beijing steps up its battle for dominance in the region
>>16366881 China, Pacific islands unable to reach consensus on security pact - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Pacific region not to be "too anxious" about his country's aims after a meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from 10 island nations was unable to agree to a sweeping trade and security communique

>>16366904 China shelves plan to sign a regional agreement with Pacific island nations - Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China will instead release a position paper following a meeting with Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji on Monday
>>16372869 'I won't back down on Beijing' - Peter Dutton says he won't back away from his pre-election warnings about the dangers posed by China, declaring the country under President Xi Jinping's leadership "is the biggest issue our country will face in our lifetimes"
>>16372884 China tries to calm Pacific fears after security snub - Pacific Islands leaders have rebuffed Beijing's sweeping security and trade pact while calling on China - the world's biggest polluter - to do more to address its "greatest threat": climate change
>>16372900 Timing of Wang Yi visit to PNG 'inappropriate', say Former PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill and Opposition Leader Belden Namah - Two of Papua New Guinea's most senior politicians have blasted the timing of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the country during its national election period, and warned Prime Minister James Marape not to sign any agreements while parliament was dissolved
>>16372930 Fiji's 'Rambo' will take the fight to Xi Jinping - China's aggressive bid for influence in the Pacific will depend in part on the outcome of an epic struggle for power between Fiji's rival strongmen: Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Sitiveni Rabuka, instigator of two military coups in 1987, and later democratically elected as prime minister from 1992 to 1999
>>16372962 China, Pacific Island nations expand cooperation at second FMs' meeting covering poverty alleviation, climate change and agriculture - China respects local countries in signing cooperation, but could be sabotaged by few politicians used as US pawns - Zhang Hui, Liu Caiyu and Shan Jie - globaltimes.cn
>>16372987 China's foreign minister visits Tonga after Pacific islands delay regional pact
>>16373021 China, Tonga are examples of 'building a community with shared future', long-term Chinese investments dwarf US, Australia - Long-term Chinese investments dwarf US, Australia - Li Xuanmin - globaltimes.cn
>>16373148 Crown Resorts hit with $80m fine by Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission over use of China Union Pay cards to illegally transfer funds from China
>>16373172 Star Entertainment Group is not suitable to hold a casino licence, say lawyers for NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority inquiry following allegations of money laundering, links to organised crime and fraud at the Pyrmont casino

#16655184 at 2022-07-07 08:44:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #24: TRUMP CARD COMING Edition

#23 - Part 16
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>16356449 China inks deal on economic technologies with Samoa during FM's trip, welcomes partnership with Australia, NZ to help PICs - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>16356468 China's FM visits the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati, where the future of a vast fishing ground is at stake.
>>16356495 Wang's visit to Kiribati shows devt opportunities, injects firmness to one-China principle - Zhang Hui and Hu Yuwei - globaltimes.cn
>>16356551 New Australian foreign minister Penny Wong's rhetoric of leaving regional security to Pacific region shows hypocrisy, double standard - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>16356601 Why China's Pacific sweet talk will fail - Beijing's plan to corral ten Pacific Island countries into an exclusive grouping is a daring attempt to take control of the region - Peter Jennings - theaustralian.com.au
>>16361632 Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Republic of Fiji - Statement by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji on the China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation
>>16361649 More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel will travel to Papua New Guinea in coming months to help the country conduct its national election, combat cyber threats and conduct joint exercises amid a growing tussle for influence between Australia and China in the region
>>16366827 We're turning to China because you neglect us, says East Timor president Jose Ramos-Horta
>>16366850 Fijian vow to hold the line on China influence - China's aggressive bid to exert power in the South Pacific will meet strong resistance if Fiji's former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka returns to office this year, with the two-time coup leader vowing to side with Australia as Beijing steps up its battle for dominance in the region
>>16366881 China, Pacific islands unable to reach consensus on security pact - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Pacific region not to be "too anxious" about his country's aims after a meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from 10 island nations was unable to agree to a sweeping trade and security communique

>>16366904 China shelves plan to sign a regional agreement with Pacific island nations - Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China will instead release a position paper following a meeting with Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji on Monday
>>16372869 'I won't back down on Beijing' - Peter Dutton says he won't back away from his pre-election warnings about the dangers posed by China, declaring the country under President Xi Jinping's leadership "is the biggest issue our country will face in our lifetimes"
>>16372884 China tries to calm Pacific fears after security snub - Pacific Islands leaders have rebuffed Beijing's sweeping security and trade pact while calling on China - the world's biggest polluter - to do more to address its "greatest threat": climate change
>>16372900 Timing of Wang Yi visit to PNG 'inappropriate', say Former PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill and Opposition Leader Belden Namah - Two of Papua New Guinea's most senior politicians have blasted the timing of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the country during its national election period, and warned Prime Minister James Marape not to sign any agreements while parliament was dissolved
>>16372930 Fiji's 'Rambo' will take the fight to Xi Jinping - China's aggressive bid for influence in the Pacific will depend in part on the outcome of an epic struggle for power between Fiji's rival strongmen: Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Sitiveni Rabuka, instigator of two military coups in 1987, and later democratically elected as prime minister from 1992 to 1999
>>16372962 China, Pacific Island nations expand cooperation at second FMs' meeting covering poverty alleviation, climate change and agriculture - China respects local countries in signing cooperation, but could be sabotaged by few politicians used as US pawns - Zhang Hui, Liu Caiyu and Shan Jie - globaltimes.cn
>>16372987 China's foreign minister visits Tonga after Pacific islands delay regional pact
>>16373021 China, Tonga are examples of 'building a community with shared future', long-term Chinese investments dwarf US, Australia - Long-term Chinese investments dwarf US, Australia - Li Xuanmin - globaltimes.cn
>>16373148 Crown Resorts hit with $80m fine by Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission over use of China Union Pay cards to illegally transfer funds from China
>>16373172 Star Entertainment Group is not suitable to hold a casino licence, say lawyers for NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority inquiry following allegations of money laundering, links to organised crime and fraud at the Pyrmont casino

#16390422 at 2022-06-03 11:58:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #23: HOUSE OF CARDS Edition

>>16343917
>>16344026
Papua New Guinea PM warns opposition not to 'play politics' with China visit

Kirsty Needham - June 3, 2022

SYDNEY, June 3 (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea's prime minister warned the opposition not to "play politics" with the visit of China's foreign minister amid an election campaign, noting China is a major trade partner and the biggest buyer of the Pacific nation's gas exports.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister James Marape on Friday, after signing agreements with his counterpart, in the final days of an eight-nation tour that has raised concern over Beijing's ambitions in the region.

China was unable to gain consensus from 10 Pacific island nations for a sweeping regional pact on security and trade at a meeting on Monday. Several nations said it was too rushed and they wanted to consult the broader region, where some countries have diplomatic ties with Taiwan and not Beijing.

Nonetheless, Wang struck a series of bilateral deals on infrastructure, fisheries, trade and police equipment on his tour, and officials say discussions over a regional pact will continue.

Chinese state media outlet Xinhua this week reported Beijing wanted developing countries to join its new "Global Security Initiative", although details have been scant.

The United States, Australia and New Zealand have expressed concern over Beijing's offers for a greater security and policing presence in the Pacific, after it struck a security pact with Solomon Islands.

In a letter to other Pacific leaders last month, the Federated States of Micronesia warned a multilateral pact with China could bring "Cold War" to the region.

In a virtual meeting with his Federated States of Micronesia counterpart on Thursday, Wang said China wasn't expanding its military into the Pacific but focusing on economic development.

"The facts over nearly half a century have proved that the exchanges between China and (Pacific island countries) did not and will not affect regional security and stability," he said, according to a foreign ministry statement on Friday.

Wang is expected to travel to East Timor later on Friday to sign bilateral agreements on health, agriculture, media and economic cooperation, according to East Timor's foreign ministry.

In Dili, he will also meet with newly elected president Jose Ramos-Horta who has advocated for a stronger relationship between the two nations.

'FRIENDS TO ALL'

Administered by Australia until 1975 and its nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea is strategically positioned and rich in resources but largely undeveloped.

Papua New Guinea had a foreign policy of "friends to all and enemies to none", Prime Minister Marape said in a statement.

"China is the major buyer of our produce, and we will engage with them more in commerce and trade, as well as other aspects of our bilateral relationship going into the future," he said.

China buys over 50% of all the gas produced in Papua New Guinea and has given an undertaking to buy more, he said.

Marape hit back at former prime minister Peter O'Neill, who is running for the top job and who criticised the timing of Wang's visit as being inappropriate and warned no deals should be signed.

"The former prime minister knows very well not to play politics with the visit of an international leader to our country," Marape said.

TONGA SHARES 'RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY'

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Tonga on Friday to highlight the new Australian government's commitments on climate change, in her second trip to the region since being sworn in last week.

"We are not a government or country that wants to come in and tell you what to do," said Wong, who visited Samoa on Thursday and pledged a new coastguard patrol vessel.

Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, who signed six agreements with China on Tuesday, told a joint media conference Tonga and Australia shared "respect for democracy and rule of law and the rights and freedoms of others".

Australian aid has been crucial in Tonga's history, and will continue in the priority areas of education, health, defence, trade, policing and democratic governance, he said.

Tonga has external debt of $195 million or 35.9 percent of its GDP, of which two-thirds is owed to China's Export-Import Bank, its budget shows.

Sovaleni told reporters on Wednesday the debt had been discussed during the Chinese foreign minister's visit, and Tonga will continue to make repayments.

Australia has offered to increase work opportunities for Tongans in Australia, and export opportunities, he added.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/papua-new-guinea-leader-warns-opposition-not-play-politics-with-china-visit-2022-06-03/

#16372900 at 2022-05-31 08:31:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #23: HOUSE OF CARDS Edition

>>16361649
Timing of Wang Yi visit to PNG 'inappropriate', says Peter O'Neill

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 30, 2022

Two of Papua New Guinea's most senior politicians have blasted the timing of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the country during its national election period, and warned Prime Minister James Marape not to sign any agreements while parliament was ?dissolved.

Former PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill and Opposition Leader Belden Namah, said the visit was inappropriate and should have been delayed until a new government had been formed.

Their comments came after Mr Wang was forced to shelve a ?region-wide security and trade pact on Monday after Pacific Islands foreign ministers rejected the deal.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the decision, declaring "the security of the Pacific is the responsibility of the Pacific family, of which Australia is a part".

Mr O'Neill, who is considered a contender to return to the prime ministership, told The Australian that PNG's foreign partners were aware of the election timeline, "and should respect the democratic processes of our country".

"PNG welcomes our trading and diplomatic partners graciously but now is not the appropriate time for high-level state visits," he said.

Mr Namah said the visit was "premature and irresponsible" now the election period was in full swing.

"It is not an appropriate time for Wang Yi to visit Papua New Guinea, when the writs have been issued and we are in the campaign period," he told The Australian.

"Marape is only (leading) a caretaker government. He cannot commit the independent state of Papua New Guinea to any form of agreements, be they international or domestic."

Mr Wang urged regional leaders not to be concerned about his ?country's intentions in the region, after 10 Pacific counterparts had declined to support the sweeping trade and security agreement during a meeting in Fiji.

"Don't be too anxious and don't be too nervous," Mr Wang said.

He added that co-operation with China would deliver "great harmony, greater justice and greater progress".

China's ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, later told reporters that the draft communique and five-year plan had been set aside "until we have reached an agreement".

The rejection of the proposed deal follows an outcry from Australia and the US over a new China-Solomon Islands security pact, and a snap trip to Fiji by Senator Wong, who urged the region to stick with Australia as its "security partner of choice".

"Australia will always work with the Pacific family to address shared security challenges, which is why we will boost support for Pacific maritime security and increase defence co-operation," Senator Wong said on Monday.

"We want to bring new energy and more resources to the Pacific.

"And we want to make a uniquely Australian contribution, including through the culture we share and economic opportunities through our Pacific labour programs and permanent migration."

Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, said Pacific nations had put "consensus first".

"Geopolitical pointscoring means less than little to anyone whose community is slipping beneath the rising seas, whose job is being lost to the pandemic, or whose family is impacted by the rapid rise in the price of commodities," he said.

Mr Wang, who is on a diplomatic blitz of the region, is due to depart Fiji for Tonga on Tuesday and head to Vanuatu and PNG.

The Chinese embassy had been in talks with PNG officials about providing funding or equipment to support the country's election ?security efforts, but Mr O'Neill said the offer of support had come too late.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/timing-of-wang-yi-visit-to-png-inappropriate-says-Peter-oneill/news-story/f5ccaf0caef71c7fd6b0c09267fbdac1

#16361649 at 2022-05-29 10:25:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #23: HOUSE OF CARDS Edition

>>16343917
More than 100 ADF personnel to be sent to PNG to help with election, cyber threats

Anthony Galloway - May 29, 2022

1/2

More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel will travel to Papua New Guinea in coming months to help the country conduct its national election, combat cyber threats and conduct joint exercises amid a growing tussle for influence between Australia and China in the region.

Following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Samoa on Saturday, the country's government announced it had signed three deals with Wang, including an "economic and technical co-operation" agreement.

The details of the new deals are unclear, but it comes as Australia races to stop China from signing a new regional security deal with as many as 10 Pacific island nations following the controversial pact between Beijing and Solomon Islands.

Wang arrived in Solomon Islands last week on a 10-day tour of the Pacific that also includes visits to PNG, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and East Timor.

Wang is pushing a new regional security deal that would allow the Chinese government to provide high-level police training and security and data co-operation across the region.

China's top diplomat said attempts by the United States and Australia to sabotage its security plans for the Pacific were "doomed to failure" as he arrived in Kiribati to forge ahead with plans for Chinese-built infrastructure in the island nation.

At the same time, Australia's new Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, scrambled to Fiji this week in her first solo visit to another country, where she urged Pacific leaders to weigh up the "consequences" of accepting security offers from Beijing.

PNG will go to the polls in July, which will likely involve a contest between incumbent James Marape and former prime minister Peter O'Neill.

Australia's closest neighbour has had issues with elections in the past; more than 200 people died in violent clashes during the election in 2017, and the result was heavily disputed.

A Defence spokesperson said Australia would support the PNG election at the request of its government.

This support will include air force, army and cyber personnel to help PNG with logistics and planning, including air lifts to help in distributing and collecting votes.

In addition, about 90 ADF personnel have travelled to PNG since March to conduct joint training exercises with the nation's military, and more Australian soldiers will arrive in coming months to help with infantry skills and operations.

At the same time, Australia recently signed a new agreement with PNG to provide support to help the country better detect and fight cyberattacks. It will allow the two countries to more easily share information on cyber threats and help train cyber experts in PNG.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the "number, type and sophistication" of cybersecurity threats to Australia and the region were increasing.

"A variety of cyber-enabled means such as cybersecurity incidents and misinformation or disinformation campaigns can represent potential threats," the DFAT spokesperson said. "We must engage internationally to advance and protect our shared interests."

(continued)

#11646899 at 2020-11-14 23:01:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #11 - THE SILENT WAR CONTINUES Edition

Scott Morrison cancels trip to PNG amid political crisis

Scott Morrison has cancelled his upcoming trip to Papua New Guinea after being asked by the island nation's leader, James Marape, to postpone the visit.

The Prime Minister will still meet with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo next week as planned.

"Prime Minister Marape contacted the Prime Minister and asked him to defer his visit, and the Prime Minister was happy to do so," a government spokesman told The Australian.

Mr Morrison was due to visit Port Moresby next Wednesday on the way home from a trip to Japan, where he was going to ­announce a new $142m loan to PNG and an Australian bailout of Pacific airlines.

However, a mass defection of ministers and MPs on Friday from Mr Mar­ape's ruling coalition to the opposition benches, apparently in support of former prime minister Peter O'Neill, forced a rethink of the trip.

This is the second time political chaos in Port Moresby has prevented Mr Morrison from visiting the country.

He was due to visit PNG after the election last May but went to the Solomon ­Islands instead after Mr O'Neill was ousted as the nation's leader.

It is understood Mr Morrison will return to Canberra after visiting Japan.

He will isolate for 14 days and attend Question Time via videolink.

PNG's opposition numbers swelled to the point where it was able to adjourn parliament until ­December 1, with a 57-39 vote against the Marape government.

Mr Marape was under pressure to resign amid threats of a vote of no confidence in his leadership when parliament does resume.

The move will defer the handing down of the country's 2021 budget, which was due to be unveiled next week amid dire financial forecasts.

Mr Marape had promised to "take back PNG" and make it the "richest black Christian nation on earth".

But he struggled to do deals on key resource projects with multinational miners, leaving the country's economy in crisis.

Mr Morrison was due to announce the $142m budget support loan and the rollover of an existing $442m loan during his visit to Port Moresby, heading off Chinese ­offers of assistance.

The refinanced loan and new funding will be made available ­directly from Australia's Treasury, unlike the previous arrangement that channelled funds through ­Export Finance Australia.

The Prime Minister was also set to announce a rescue package for regional Pacific airlines, including PNG's national carrier Air Niugini, which have been hammered by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Prime Minister was due to visit PNG after his election last May but went to the Solomon ­Islands instead after Mr O'Neill was ousted as the nation's leader.

Mr Marape said on Friday afternoon that his leadership was "not over until it's over".

"I am happy this divide is taking place so (the) country can now know who (the) patriotic PNGeans (are)," he said in a Facebook post.

"I am not finished in politics yet, now or into the future."

Mr Marape said he saw no reason why Mr Morrison should cancel his November 18-19 visit.

"If he wants to come, he will come; if not, it's all right," he said.

Opposition Leader Belden Namah said Mr Morrison's trip was "highly suspicious" and should be deferred.

Mr Morrison told Sydney radio station 2GB on Friday afternoon that he still intended to visit PNG but "you monitor events as they unfold".

Senior government sources said the trip now appeared ­"tenuous", given that Mr Morrison did not want to appear to endorse either side in PNG's domestic political dispute.

At least nine government ministers abandoned Mr Marape's government, including former deputy prime minister Sam Basil.

Mr O'Neill's camp told The Weekend Australian that the former prime ­minister was not putting himself forward for the top job at this stage, with the role to be discussed between opposition parties.

Lowy Institute Pacific program director Jonathan Pryke said Mr Marape had struggled to achieve policy wins in government.

"Marape was strong on rhetoric but far weaker on delivery.

"It seems a lot of MPs have had enough of the inaction," Mr Pryke said.

"Unless there's quick resolution here, I can't see any way Prime Minister Morrison could, nor would want to, fly into the middle of this."

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/scott-morrisons-trip-in-doubt-amid-political-crisis-in-png/news-story/d5534018af57874924cd9e5313e7fe0c

#6599682 at 2019-05-27 06:55:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Resignations in the Region
Sourced from QRes#8428

Papua New Guinea prime minister resigns after 7 years

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has resigned after seven years on the job.

His announcement follows weeks of high profile defections from his government to the opposition.

O'Neill said in a news conference in the capital of Port Moresby that recent movements in parliament have shown a "need for change."

He handed over his leadership to a former prime minister and current member of parliament, Sir Julius Chan.

On Friday, one of O Neill's key coalition allies abandoned him. The opposition bloc has since been saying it has 62 lawmakers in its camp, which would give it a majority in parliament.

The resignation will be formalized when O'Neill visits the governor-general, the official representative of Queen Elizabeth II.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-resigns-after-7-years

#6576765 at 2019-05-24 09:53:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Papua New Guinea's PM is forced to deny being Australian after his citizenship is called into question
Sourced from QRes#8406

Papua New Guinea's prime minister has told a court he's never been an Australian citizen amid questions about his eligibility to hold office.

Attorney-General Alfred Manase this week launched a probe into the citizenship of all 111 sitting members of PNG's parliament after outspoken opposition politician Bryan Kramer alleged PM Peter O'Neill held dual Australian citizenship through his Melbourne-born father.

Dual citizens are not eligible to serve as members of the Pacific country's parliament.

O'Neill's lawyers on Thursday submitted an affidavit saying he had never been an Australian citizen and did not hold an Australian passport.

The prime minister has also asked for a court order preventing Kramer from continuing to make what he calls defamatory statements.

Kramer has said he will only provide proof in court or parliament next week.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7065599/Papua-New-Guineas-PM-forced-deny-Australian.html