PNG says " no" to new embassies
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
The Papua New Guinea Government has rejected applications by the Soviet Union and China to set up embassies in Port Moresby.
A spokesman for the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs said in January that the department did not have the facilities to accommodate any new embassies. It would have to double its size to do so. There are seven embassies and high commissions in Port Moresby.
The spokesman said that Russia and China were not the only countries refused permission to establish embassies in PNG. France and South Korea had also made requests and been turned down.
Changes in PNG diplomatic representation in Australia were announced m the same month by the Prime Minister, Mr Michael Somare. He said the new High Commissioner would be Mr Vincent Eri, previously Consul- General in Sydney. Mr Eri fills the post left vacant following the resignation late last year of Mr Gala Oala Rarua. Mr Eri’s position as DK^.9 eneral in S y dne y will be filled by Mr Austin Sapias, formerly PNG Information Officer in Sydney.