PNG PM set to continue in job

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill indicates a police warrant for his arrest will not stop him doing the top job.

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PNG PM Peter O'Neill says he'll continue doing his job

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he will continue in the top job despite a court lifting a stay on a warrant for his arrest.

Mr O'Neill said on Tuesday he will respect Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki's decisions in how to handle the investigation.

Earlier in Port Moresby, Justice Ere Kariko dismissed an attempt to stop the outstanding arrest warrant.

"Deferring to the judgment of the court was the responsible path for any sitting Prime Minister to take," Mr O'Neill said in a statement.

"The politicians and small group of police who colluded in this sad moment in our history should hang their heads in shame.

"They have put greed and ambition ahead of decency and fairness, and they have caused unnecessary tension within our community."

He added that he and his government will continue do their jobs.

Mr O'Neill on June 16 was served with an arrest warrant to appear at police headquarters and answer questions relating to an ongoing corruption investigation.

The prime minister responded by sacking the police commissioner and installing Mr Vaki, firing his attorney general and suspending numerous other justice department and police officials.

He also disbanded the country's anti corruption watchdog, Task Force Sweep.

Mr O'Neill denies the allegation he authorised almost $30 million in payments to law firm Paul Paraka Lawyers, itself embroiled in a corruption scandal with the department of finance.

"(Sweep) achieved just one conviction in two years and had many failed prosecutions," Mr O'Neill said.

"Then, as its investigations were failing, the task force became politically compromised and sought to fabricate a case against me - as a high profile target.

"The actions that they took, in colluding with the opposition, are very troubling and I have acted to end this misuse of public office."

PNG's deputy opposition leader Sam Basil has denied colluding with Sweep.

Thomas Eluh, the deputy commissioner who served Mr O'Neill with the warrant and was subsequently suspended, made an impatient plea before the court decision was handed down.

"The future of Papua New Guinea as an independent democratic nation is at stake," he said.

"We believe actions taken and decisions made by O'Neill and members of the National Executive Council are attempts to pervert the course of justice.

"My suspension by Vaki is an attempt to pervert the course of justice - the wheels of justice have turned and will not stop until everyone is held accountable for his or her actions."


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