Olga calls for truce

By JACOB POK
WESTERN Highlands Governor Tom Olga has called on all political leaders to put aside their differences and resolve the political impasse before the elections.  
Olga said in a press conference in Mt Hagen on Monday that leaders should not tie themselves with the political impasse but look for ways to resolve the problem.  
He said the situation had affected the people and if allowed to continue into the elections might become the spark that could ignite many problems.
“This political impasse could be a test to this nation and mandated leaders must prove their leadership quality to stand up and make proper decisions to resolve the issues and
not cling to it,” Olga said.
He said he was not
on Peter O’Neill or
Sir Michael Somare’s side.
He simply wanted to be broker peace to resolve the political situation.
He said the two factions must not fight for legitimacy in government at a time when
the general election election was only weeks away.
“Why are we fighting for legitimacy when there is existing confusion in the country on the issue of a legitimate government?” he
asked.
“The best way forward is for political leaders to get their heads together and have proper dialogue to resolve the problems.”
He said leaders must refrain from taking sides or advantage over the situation and instigate unnecessary problems in government institutions.
The nation was at a crossroad now and leaders must think wisely and stand in unity to resolve the situation for the good of the people and the nation.
“We, as mandated leaders, must lead by example and uphold the Constitution of the land and perform our duties and responsibilities appropriately to meet the people’s expectations,” Olga said.
The political impasse could affect
the running of the election and should be resolved before polling began.
“If we don’t have a legitimate government than we must have a operational government that will ensure smooth function of the nation during the election period,” he said.