PNG votes for Moresby emergency

25 May 2012, 7:40 pm   -   Source: AAP

Papua New Guinea MPs have voted for a state of emergency in Port Moresby following a confrontation involving rogue police officers.

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Papua New Guinea MPs have voted to declare a state of emergency in the nation's capital after rogue police officers surrounded Parliament House.

If adopted, the emergency rule would give increased powers to PNG's police commissioner to arrest and detain.

Leader of government business Moses Maladina put the motion on Friday at a special sitting of parliament and it is expected to come into force on Saturday.

"I move that (cabinet) advise the head of state to declare a state of emergency in Port Moresby," Mr Maladina said.

The state of emergency would be extended to the Southern Highlands and Hela province, he said.

Mr Maladina also moved a motion that the officers who arrested Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia did so with the approval of parliament.

Deputy Prime minister Belden Namah read a short statement defending his decision to storm the courthouse on Thursday.

Prime minister Peter O'Neill said cabinet would meet on Friday night before submitting advice to the governor-general.

Mr O'Neill said he wanted to assure the people of PNG that their movements would not be restricted.

"We are acting in PNG's best interests and for the wellbeing of the country," he said.

Parliamentary sittings are scheduled to resume next Tuesday at 2pm.

A splinter group of police surrounded parliament house on Friday morning and refused to let MPs take their seats.

The group disbursed after holding talks with assistant commissioner Francis Tokura.

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