Unrest in Mendi won’t affect Apec: Minister

Minister for Apec Justin Tkatchenko says leaders from all 21 world economies have confirmed their attendance for the meeting in Port Moresby in November.
He described the actions by a minority who destroyed State properties in Mendi, Southern Highlands, on Thursday as an “absolute disgrace and total disappointment”.
Tkatchenko said their actions would not deter preparation work Government was doing for the leaders’ meeting.
“These people do not represent all of us and what we are trying to achieve for our country,” he said.
“This will not deter us at all.
“Yes, this is a slight setback but we continue moving forward for the benefit of economic growth in our country.
“We keep on assuring our world leaders and international partners that we will have one of the best meetings in November.”
Tkatchenko said the Hilton hotel would open its doors in three months’ time.
The hotel will host leaders from around the world at the Apec forum.
Dismissing reports that the hotel would not be operational on time, Tkatchenko said: “Ready for operations mid-September, without a doubt.
“It would be an Independence gift to PNG, especially the landowners who have invested a lot of their resources.
“An experienced general manager from the Hilton Group would come and operate (the hotel).”