PNG political crisis may be off the boil

27 Jan 2012, 7:35 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Sir Michael Somare says he won't make a statement until the weekend about the ongoing political turmoil in Port Moresby.

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Former prime minister Michael Somare says he won't make a public statement until the weekend about the ongoing political turmoil in Papua New Guinea.

Following the apparent failure of an attempted mutiny by a group of soldiers who wanted him reinstated, the veteran PNG leader announced through his spokeswoman and daughter, Betha Somare, that he would not speak as anticipated on Friday.

Moments before the announcement, Sir Michael's appointee for police commissioner, Fred Yakasa, said he and his men were playing no part in the military crisis that has gripped PNG since Thursday morning.

Ms Somare said in a text message: "We are working at finalising some issues and will be ready to make some announcements before Monday."

The message arrived as journalists left a press conference with Mr Yakasa, during which he declared he had played no part in the mutiny and that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's man, Tom Kulunga, was in charge of the police force.

"As far as I am concerned, we are now battling this out in the courts," Mr Yakasa said.

"At this point in time (Mr Kulunga) is sitting in the chair until the Supreme Court makes its determination."

PNG police on Friday told AAP that Col Yaura Sasa, who led the uprising, remained at Taurama barracks with about 20 supporters.

On Thursday, the retired colonel and about 30 men stormed nearby Murray barracks and claimed control of the defence force on behalf of ousted prime minister Sir Michael Somare.

Police spokesman Dominic Kakas said Colonel Sasa had asked for a pardon.

"That is correct, yes," he said.

"They are trying to sort something out."

Mr O'Neill and his cabinet are understood to be in a cabinet meeting to discuss the government's response to the landslide in the Southern Highlands on Tuesday morning.

A reduced death toll of 23 has been reported in the local media, although rescue crews have yet to make an official announcement.

An expected press conference at the barracks by deputy prime minister and acting defence minister Belden Namah has been delayed without explanation.

On Thursday night Mr O'Neill declared the crisis over, more than 12 hours after Colonel Sasa and his men took the barracks and placed Brigadier-General Francis Agwi under house arrest.

Mr O'Neill said Brig Gen Agwi has since been released and on Friday told journalists Colonel Sasa had been "dealt with".

He declined to elaborate.

Mr Namah on Thursday said the mutiny was treasonous and seditious and carried the death penalty.

Sir Michael has not been heard from since Wednesday, when he released a statement of condolence over the death of a former MP.

The streets of the capital are still busy with people going about their daily business.

There are signs of increased security, with some businesses posting extra security guards at the gates of their compounds.

The majority of parliament has voted repeatedly for an O'Neill premiership since August but the Supreme Court ordered Sir Michael be restored to power in mid-December.

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