PNG Boosts Defences

PAPUA NEW Guinea is to expand its armed forces with an emphasis on maritime and air capability un der a new defence policy. The Defence Minister, Mr James Pokasui, told Parlia ment that while diplomacy was the first line of defence it must be supplemented by a credible military deterrence capability.

He said the defence forces would be reorganised, with provision for highly mo bile land elements trained in guerrilla and anti-guerrilla techniques. Seaborne forces would be trained and equipped for clan destine operations, including mine-laying.

Mr Pokasui said while new patrol boats being supplied by Australia would give his country a new deep-water operations ca pability, they did not suit Papua New Guinea’s conditions and would need to be modified.

This also meant Papua New Guinea would look to new suppliers to acquire boats suited to security and defence.

The air squadron also would be mod ernised to provide greater reconnaissance and resupply capability, with the possible purchase of helicopters.

Mr Pokasui said defence force num bers should be lifted above the current 3500 limit, a reserve unit raised and pro vision be made for conscription. This would have the added benefit of helping resolve the nation’s unemployment prob lem, and allow Papua New Guinea to ful fill its international responsibilities such as contributing to United Nations peace keeping forces.

Mr Pokasui told Parliament the Government also planned to increase its military presence along the border with the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. □

Patrol boats aid surveillance.