Refugees prefer other countries over PNG: O’Neill

Not many genuine refugees held at the Regional Processing Centre in Manus want to be resettled in Papua New Guinea, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

O’Neill made this comment during a joint media conference in Port Moresby with his Australia counterpart Malcolm Turnbull.   

Turnbull is on an official visit to his country’s former colony. 

“Not many refugees want to settle in PNG and we cannot force them to resettle (here),” O’Neill said.

He added that the resettlement to a third country is guided by Australia and there are close consultations going on.

Meanwhile, Turnbull said “there is a resettlement process under way, and also discussions with United States.  

“We have to take that one step at a time.” 

(Picture source: SBS)

Author: 
Charles Yapumi