Mirino recalled back to PNG

PNG’s Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Peter Mirino is to leave the country immediately.
Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Sam Abal confirmed yesterday that he had directed secretary Michael Maue to recall Mr Mirino immediately.
Mr Abal said he found Mr Mirino’s behaviour, reported in the media recently, to be unacceptable, and deserved strong disciplinary action.
Mr Abal said disciplinary action would also be taken against Ambassador Aiwa Olmi, if investigations confirmed allegations he was involved in an accident involving the official vehicle that was embarrassing to the Government.
A written report on an investigation into the incidents involving Mr Mirino and Mr Olmi is expected to reach the Minister today or tomorrow.
“I’m fed up with these issues with the missions abroad. They are experienced officers and they should know better.
“We have to take action to protect PNG’s image abroad. Some missions appear to be troublesome than others.
“Once the officers are recalled, they will also face public service charges,” Mr Abal said.
He said alcohol consumption appeared to be a problem.
“People should curtail drinking. They are exposed to and attend a lot of functions and cocktails, but they should not get drunk and go crazy.”
Mr Abal said the Government would consider more women for missions abroad.
The Solomon Islands mission appears to be prone to attracting embarrassment for the Government.
Last year, a senior PNG official was subject to police investigations after a woman travelling with him in a vehicle died in his arms.
However, the investigations cleared him of any wrong doing.