British concern over PNG dogs of war
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain has joined Australia in expressing its concerns to the Papua New Guinea government over its hiring of a London-based mercenary company in its war against secessionists on the tropical island of Bougainville.
This follows a meeting called by Alexander Downer, the Australian foreign minister, involving the high commissioners of Britain, New Zealand and the United States charge d'affaires during his visit last week to Port Moresby, the PNG capital.
In his talks with Sir Julius Chan, PNG's prime minister, Mr Downer expressed Australia's strong opposition over the mercenary deal. He then briefed the British, New Zea-land and American diplomatic representatives, and urged them to make their governments' concerns known to the Port Moresby government.
Mr Downer told parliament in Canberra yesterday that Australia had asked Britain, New Zealand and America "to raise these very same issues" with PNG. Jim Bolger, the New Zealand prime minister, wrote to Sir Julius on Monday expres-sing his concern.
The Australian government has asked Britain to use what influence it can to persuade Sir Julius to sever his government's involvement with Sandline International, a company registered in the Bahamas with offices in King's Road, Chelsea, and Washington DC.
In the wake of a furore that has erupted over disclosures that PNG has turned to Sandline to help its armed forces to "capture or kill" the Bougain- ville rebel leaders, Sir Julius admitted on Tuesday that 40 foreign soldiers had arrived in PNG. He described them as "foreign military advisers" and said that 30 of the men would train PNG soldiers while the other 10 would be "back-room advisers."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments