Awesa: Time to work together

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has directed all relevant departments to furnish information papers relating to the PNG LNG project as soon as possible, Works Minister and Imbonggu MP Francis Awesa says.

Awesa said this after a cabinet meeting and attending a press conference held by Komo-Margarima MP Francis Potape at which he (Potape) announced his defection from opposition to the government.

“At (yesterday’s) cabinet meeting, the prime minister has directed the relevant ministers to get an information paper prepared as soon as possible,” Awesa said.

“These will be as to what issues are outstanding, how much money has been paid to the Hela provincial government, Central provincial government, Gulf provincial government and Southern Highlands provincial government.

“These will form the basis of talks between the government and developer, ExxonMobil.

“Issues as far as ExxonMobil is concerned, as far as national government is concerned, to find some common ground on where we’re going, what to do, and move on from there.”

Awesa also told reporters that it was critical that everyone works together at this time to see the PNG LNG project export first gas in 2014.

“We all know that there are a lot of outstanding issues that have not been addressed properly,” he said.

“Some of these are by the developer, ExxonMobil, some by the national government.

“In that regard, we have to come together quickly and address these issues once and for all for the best interest of the project.

“Eighty to ninety per cent of the project is ready to go.”