THE GOVERNMENT is closely monitoring the security situation in Papua New Guinea to ensure the continued safety of Solomon Islands students studying at various tertiary institutions in the neighbouring Melanesian state.
This follows reports of an open-fire by police on Papua New Guinean UPNG (University of Papua New Guinea) students protesting for the removal of Prime Minister Hon Peter O’Neill from office.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade said, “I wish to inform parents and other family members, relatives and friends of Solomon Islands students studying at various tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea that my Ministry through the High Commission of Solomon Islands in Port Moresby is closely monitoring the safety and security of these students.
“As of yesterday, students studying at UPNG in Port Moresby, where the incident took place, have been evacuated to Ponderosa Hotel as a safety and security measure and they are all safe and sound at their hotel accommodation. Students studying at the UNITECH in Lae are being assisted by a Priest and they are also safe and sound.
“Meanwhile, other Solomon Islands students studying under other sponsorship arrangements have also been evacuated to other hotels in Port Moresby by their respective sponsors and their safety can also be guaranteed.”
Minister Tozaka said all students will remain where they are now being accommodated whilst the Government continues to monitor the security situation through the Solomon Islands High Commission in Port Moresby and the Papua New Guinea Government.
“The Government remains constantly in touch with our High Commission in Port Moresby and local authorities. This is very important in deciding the next course of action to take.”
— OPMC PRESS
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