Ministers to meet over Tjandra issue

KEY government ministers will meet on July 30 to discuss Indonesia’s request to extradite Joko Tjandra.
Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Department Alexis Maino said: “This meeting is very important as it will set the stage for further investigations related to the pertinent issues surrounding the legality of the recent granting of PNG citizenship to Mr Joko.
Maino said caretaker Prime Minister Peter O’Niell had expressed serious concerns over this issue and  would direct for a review of the case.
Manio said the findings of the official investigation will assist the new government of PNG to respond appropriately to the concerns raised by the Indonesian government over Joko’s citizenship.
“Joko is deemed by the Indonesian government to be a convicted fugitive and involved in the official corruption and is wanted by Indonesian authorities,” Maino said.
“It is highly crucial that the circumstances related to Joko’s PNG citizenship are addressed with sensitivity, fact and professionally by the PNG government.
Maino stressed the government of PNG highly valued the important cooperative relations with Indonesia. close neighbours.