Acting Prime Minister

He announced this at the Jacksons International Airport today, before he departed for the People’s Republic of China. He will later travel to France on official government engagements.

Prime Minister Marape is leading a small delegation of senior ministers including Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua and Trade, Commerce & Industry Minister William Samb and Fisheries Minister, Dr. Lino Tom.

His visit to China is on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to witness the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

He further said one of the dailies also ran a misleading headline.

Abel instead says the Government welcomes the report, which confirms that the medium term outlook for the Kina is positive.

In a statement, the Acting Prime Minister said after challenging years there is a rebound in the national economy.

He further said one of the dailies also ran a misleading headline.

Abel instead says the Government welcomes the report, which confirms that the medium term outlook for the Kina is positive.

In a statement, the Acting Prime Minister said after challenging years there is a rebound in the national economy.

He said following upon his return from Canberra yesterday in which a meeting was convened with Ministers for Police, Attorney General, Petroleum, Acting Police Commissioner, and the Governor for Hela, for a briefing on the situation in the Southern Highlands and recent events at Angore.

Abel expressed his disappointment at the attack on the Angore camp facilities and that police were mobilised immediately to the scene to do their work.

Abel stated that the recent National Court decision on the liability to Nambawan Superannuation Fund is part of the debt that accrued before 2009 from unfunded state superannuation contribution for public servants.

“The Government has been paying all fortnightly contribution since then and gradually paying down the inherited debt through budget appropriations such as the K150 million in this year’s budget,” he said.

Minister Abel has been in consultation with the Minister responsible for Communications, Information Technology and Energy, Sam Basil who has received advice from NICTA on the registration deadline extension.

“Minister Basil and I have considered the issues surrounding the SIM Card Registration Regulation, and I am fully aware of the implications of registration deadline,” the Acting Prime Minister said.

“The extension to 23 January 2018 will minimise the potential for disruptions to phone users while ensuring network security is enhanced.

Acting Prime Minister Charles Abel however says various court cases have stopped the Government from doing so.

Abel said it’s a very complex issue and would like some of the court issues settled quickly so that the money is released.

He said numerous court issues have stalled clan vetting, which once completed, will finally see all landowners being paid their royalties.

“We’re committed to pay that money. We were ready to pay.  It’s the issues amongst the landowners,” he said.

The first is a K41 million (AUD$18 million) grant from the Australian Government for the continuation of the Rural Primary Health Service Delivery Project.

The second is a concessional loan from the Czechoslovakia EXIM Bank for K172 million (Euro 55 million) for the upgrading of the Boram Hospital in East Sepik Province.

Acting Prime Minister, Charles Abel, said the signing represents the ongoing commitment of the Government towards the health sector.

Sir Leo made the remarks when presenting ILG certificates to five clans in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, recently.

He urged them to take part in the development of the province and country as a whole.

“I am urging the ILGs to work together with the Provincial Government, Local Level Government and the Mayors so that they can be recognised in service delivery.”