Renewed plea for talks

THE whole world is watching with interest as our “two prime ministers” political debacle enters its another day of uncertainty.
Yes, four days on, PNG is still gripped in constitutional deadlock as to who is the legitimate prime minister – and now the job of the governor-general is added to the list of confusion.
Even the United Nations secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, is expressing concern about the mounting political tension as both Sir Michael Somare and Peter O’Neill each claiming that they are rightful leaders.
Ban called on Sir Michael and O’Neill to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid an escalation of the situation.
He hoped the crisis would be resolved soon in a peaceful manner in accordance with the Constitution.
That is unlikely. After yesterday’s turn of events, it appears that both camps had not taken heed of Ban’s plea nor our plea yesterday in a front-page editorial for both leaders to meet and amicably agree to end the current impasse.
While Australia is showing growing concern for its citizens here as well as business interests, its Defence Minister Stephen Smith has ruled out a military evacuation option in the unlikelihood, we hope and pray, of all hell breaking loose.
Yet, its agencies are monitoring the crisis while
other foreign missions should be equally concerned about the welfare of their citizens.
Smith was adamant on ABC television yesterday that there would be no military intervention, quashing suggestions Canberra might need to help restore order if the crisis deteriorated into violence.
He said Australia was not responding to the crisis. A fair comment; Canberra should not be seen to be interfering in our internal problems.
It is a matter for PNG to resolve; it is a matter for Sir Michael and O’Neill to resolve.
Given Sir Michael’s strained relations with Canberra, the Aussies must remain guarded in what they say.
Understandably, like Ban, the Gillard government wants to see these matters resolved in accordance with the Constitution, expecting and hoping that the
constitutional and democratic processes would be respected.
The ordinary Papua New Guinean deserves credit for heeding their leaders’ calls for restraint and calm, thus far.
There have been little suggestions of impending protests.
It is fair to say that the voter has had enough of both sides to wish for an early general election.
Most importantly, our leaders must not lose sight of why parliament is still in session.
This is to pass the 2012 National Budget, already one month overdue, so that accompanying legislation and policies are put in place before new projects
and programmes come
into effect on Jan 1.
In an election year, there is precious little time to be wasted.
What has happened in the past 24 hours is unprecedented in our 36 years of political independence.
Worse, our people are getting more confused, uncertain, frustrated and angrier by the day.
We repeat, this can spill over into a crisis which neither Sir Michael nor O’Neill may later reverse but which both will regret.
Our appeal yesterday was explicitly clear that, at the end of the day, we must have peace, order and normalcy.
So, please, we reiterate, talk.
O’Neill agrees and, indeed, has asked for it.
Can you come to the table, Chief?
Has O’Neill forgotten what he told one newspaper on Monday? These are his words as reported: “He said the government respects the court and the decision of the court shall be respected by both the government and the opposition.”
What has happened to the Melanesian way of settling disputes – through consensus?
There would have been many consensus in previous cabinet meetings where both men were present – one as a prime minister, the other the public service minister.
So, how about reaching a consensus on this issue which is affecting your seven million citizens?
We reiterate: Christmas is only nine days away.
It is the season for all people of goodwill to turn on the Christmas cheer.
You will do your country proud, if only you will talk and reach a consensus.