Defuse tension now, says Tarutia

By DALE LUMA
THE containment and defusing of the security situation in Port Moresby must happen now, says PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ian Tarutia.
Tarutia said if a curfew be imposed, then “so be it”.
“City residents do not feel safe to move around. Workers, working parents and school children have chosen to stay home today (yesterday) for security reasons,” he said.
“(We) condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence that has broken out in NCD and holding innocent residents and business houses to ransom.

**The Waigani Central had its main gate locked yesterday.**

“This should not be happening in the nation’s capital where seat of government is located, where we have the full complement of our police and defence personnel based.
“Containment and defusing of this security situation must happen now. If we have to impose a curfew to limit movement, so be it.
“Or if the military is required to step in to assist police, to bring order to the city, so be it.
“The city cannot be held to ransom by a handful of thugs with no respect for fellow citizens and the rule of law.

**The People’s Micro Bank (top) and Nasfund’s Service Centre (Left) in Boroko, Port Moresby closed early yesterday following election-related violence in the city.**

“The international community are observing happenings with keen interest.
“What is happening at the moment is not the type of image and messaging we want to portray of our country as a safe and conductive environment for investment.
“We must stop this madness immediately.”
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco said the situation was unpredictable.
“We closed our office because of the safety of our staff to stay at home and stay safe as it is a volatile situation out there.
“It is most disappointing that this is happening and criminals and opportunist are taking advantage of this.
“Most businesses are noting what’s going on in their immediate vicinity and as a consequence most are closing up.”
Bank South Pacific Financial Group Ltd group chief executive officer Robin Fleming said they were monitoring the situation in Port Moresby.

**Main gates to several business houses at Waigani, Port Moresby were closed yesterday.**

“Where there has been fighting near our branches we have temporarily closed for a short period or moved to restricted access which has been the case at Boroko, Waigani Banking Centre and Gordon.
“We will continue to monitor with heightened security presence with the objective of keeping branches open to serve our customers.”