Army, police neutrality praised

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has commended the army and the police force for exercising maturity and restraint during the recent political upheaval.
He commended Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga for taking command of the situation firmly.
He said what transpired over the past few days “is test of how vibrant democracy is in the country”.
During a “courtesy call” to Government House yesterday, O’Neill flanked by his cabinet ministers said it was the government of a “new era”.
O’Neill thanked the governor-general for recognising his ministers and said all government business would now proceed uninterrupted.
“We will attend to the budget and other important government matters,” he said.
He said Sir Michael Ogio had exercised “maturity and has acted in the best interest of the nation” by recognising his government as legitimate.
O’Neill said parliament was supreme and “is where decisions are made”.
He said Sir Michael had realised that he was ill-advised and had decided to rescind his earlier decision (swearing-in of the Somare cabinet).
He appealed to the Somare camp to respect the governor-general’s decision and all public servants to work together to prepare for the 2012 general election.
He said what had transpired in court and in parliament “is a lesson for future governments to follow”.