Protestors barred
By HARLYNE JOKU
KOIARI villagers were prevented by police from meeting Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd to demand answers to the future of the World War Two icon, the famous Kokoda Track.
Mr Rudd, who flew into Port Moresby on an Australian defence force aircraft, was probably unaware that villagers from the area sacred to Australians were gathering nearby with placards to tell him they had enough of living in poverty.
“What have you done for us in the past 65 years Rudd”, a placard read.
Over 30 landowners protested peacefully in front of the Airlines PNG terminal yesterday, but were prevented by police from reaching the Jackson Airport VIP area where Mr Rudd was inspecting a guard of honour.
“It is our right to express our concerns. This is a democratic country,” the leader of the Kokoda Track Authority Barney Jack said.
Mr Jack said the police had restricted their protest although the Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari had given them the green light on Wednesday afternoon.
He said within the two-day State visit of prime minister Rudd, the Kokoda and Koiari landowners want to hear a positive response to their proposal.
Mr Jack said the people wanted to develop their land which had remained idle for 65 years, lacking basic services such as water, power and roads.
“This is our land not Australia’s land,” the protesting landowners said.
An Australian company proposes to mine gold in the area, where part of the sacred track runs through. The Mining ministry has, however, refused to renew the mining lease of the company, prompting demonstrations in recent weeks by landowners supporting the mine.
The Australian Government wants to fast track its listing on the World Heritage Listing, which would effective stop mining in the area.
The landowners say they have lived in poverty for over 60 years, and if there is no mining, what alternatives are being offered by Australia.
Prime Minister Rudd at a press conference later said the issue had to be resolved amicably and effectively.
Mr Rudd he respected that PNG was a sovereign state and should make its own decisions.
He said Prime Minister Somare and himself had discussed the Kokoda issue at great length yesterday and is confident that both their officials will reach an understanding by the Ministerial Forum Meeting in Madang in April.
Mr Rudd stressed the officials will look at various aspects of the issue which includes the interests of the landowners.
“They are important to the equation than anybody else,” Mr Rudd said.
Sir Michael said they have to sit down and work out how they could have Kokoda listed on the World Heritage Listing, and still develop part of the area.
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