OPPOSITION leader Don Polye’s statement in Parliament last Friday to cancel the APEC meeting is regrettable and not in the best interest of PNG, member for Vanimo-Green, Belden Namah has said. Mr Namah who is also a member of the Opposition and the former leader said during a press conference yesterday, that the decision to host the APEC meeting was made by the Government of the day and in doing so, committed the nation. “The international community agreed to give PNG the mandate to host the international event. Time is running and we have less than 24 months to host the APEC meeting. Now is not the time to be backtracking on a commitment that we as a sovereign nation have made to the international community. The matter now reflects on the people of PNG, and on our integrity as a sovereign nation to deliver such international events that will be attended by world leaders, who control about 50 percent of the economy,” he said. “I acknowledge that we have our own internal issues to deal with and we need to prioritise what is important and beneficial for our people and our nation. Notwithstanding these issues, the Government committed PNG to hosting the APEC summit,” Mr Namah said. “We must rise to the occasion; take the challenge to deliver a safe and successful meeting of the APEC Summit,” he said. Mr Namah said that political leaders of 21 member economies, businesses and investment leaders will come to PNG and opportunities to create new economically beneficial opportunities will be present. “It is not realistic to terminate PNG’s commitment, therefore we must look at a workable solution and reassess what we can afford and spend wisely,” he said. “Therefore I would suggest a bi-partisan approach with representatives,” he said. from both Government and Opposition be included in the project team for the APEC meetings so that everyone is involved and both sides of the House are aware of the planning and presentations. This will leave no room for distrust and misinformation to the people. There is a great need for transparency and accountability in such capital expenditures. “This is a challenge to PNG and we all need to work together to deliver as a nation,” Mr Namah said. He said who else in his good mind could say to cancel such an international event. “It’s going to be an international disgrace and shame and therefore we must be careful in saying things when given the opportunity to host such meetings,” Namah said. Post Courier/PNGfacts Next news >> Ipatas tells politicians to put petty politics aside and embrace APEC benefits
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