Quoted

“To refresh your memory, let me remind you that I was not born in a tent yesterday, nor am I a Johnny-come-lately.”

Mr John Kaputin, PNG’s Minister for Minerals and Energy (and mixed meta phors) responding to press reporters that his position was in jeopardy.

“If you people figure out how to get along with France, let us know.”

US Senator J J Exon (Nevada) to reporters in New Zealand during a visit by a US Congressional dele gation. Quoted in Washing ton Pacific Report.

“Mr Somare seems to have a way of arriving at conclusions based on little or no evidence.”

PNG Environment and Conservation Minister Mr Perry Zeipi, responding to Opposition criticism of the Government’s mining policy.

“A waste of time.”

The head of PNG’s Fi nance Department, Mr John Vulpindi, in a scathing at tack on the country’s system of public accounts.

“My job is so frustrating I want to resign.”

Mr Vulpindi again, on his position as head of the Finance Department.

“Australia’s collaboration with neighbouring countries has never been better.”

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Bill Hayden, responding to criti cism by the opposition leader Mr Howard.

“The United States, Britain and France are not close to joining the South Pacific nu clear-free zone treaty.”

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Mr Marshall at a disarmament conference sponsored by the United Nations in Geneva.

“The Fiji military must give an assurance that it will not again interfere in the running of the country.”

The president of the Australia-Fiji Business Council, Mr Russell Leitch, at a conference of the organi sation in Suva.

Foreign Minister Hayden.