Agwi: Kumul Force did well

Main Stories, National
Source:

The National, Wednesday 03rd April 2013

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN

PAPUA New Guinea’s participation in the joint military assistance programme in the Pacific has been highly commended. 

Welcoming home the last PNG Kumul Force from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (Ramsi) on Monday, Brig-Gen Francis Agwi said the Kumul Force had performed exceptionally well in the 10-year operation alongside other Pacific countries.

It had prepared them for future engagements in similar roles to global peace. 

Ramsi was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the then governor-general of Solomon Islands. 

“Kumul Force One was PNGDF’s first troop contingent sent to help the joint regional military forces, particularly  Australia, New Zealand and Tongan forces, to help the Solomon Islands government restore peace,” Agwi said. 

“It did a lot of aggressive patrolling and negotiations with rebel elements who were opposing the Solomon Islands government. 

“It was tough but the Kumul Force’s contribution until April 1 will go down as a success for the PNGDF in Ramsi operations. The Kumul Force personnel have been great ambassadors for PNG. 

“They had done our country proud by helping restore Solomon Islands’ back to normalcy.

“This day will go down as an historic date for PNG as our very own Kumul Force successfully completed its 10-year mission,” he said.