Security Issues Arose Roughly Australian Rifle Link To Papua New Guinea
A major defense aid package from Australia comes with a major security risk, as the head of the military in Papua New Guinea warns about it. Doubts are raised about the safety of a planned shipment of Australia-made rifles for Papua New Guinea’s forces.
This news reveals a serious concern about the implications If these 3,500 defense weapons go to civilian instead of military use. The weapons proposed for PNG are not only for security enhancement but are also expected to be a part of the forces that shall get better equipment.
On the one hand, we are looking for mutual cooperation, but on the other hand, we have to put the emphasis on the safety and security, Major General Goina was crystal clear about it in his last briefing. The question of storage is essential to us. Without the adequate storage facilities, we are putting ourselves in the position to create bigger problems than we are solving. The statements made by him refer to a critical logistical issue in the center of the bilateral agreement on security.
According to the official and policy directive, this transfer was seen as a part of the bilateral defence cooperation program between PNG and Australia, enabling the PNGDF to be more operationally effective. The spokesperson for the Department of Defense in Australia has reiterated that the provision which entails a long-term partnership is a necessary part of the process and includes associated training and support packages. We are continuously engaging with PNGDF counterparts to address all matters relating to the transfer of capabilities including matters of security, the spokesperson says.
Nevertheless, the public warning issued by the top soldier in PNG indicates that the aforementioned talks have yet been conducted to clear up the relevant infrastructure problems. Security experts stress that PNG’s ammunition depots have been infiltrated in the past, and the sheer size of the incoming shipment poses a great risk. Community chiefs in the Highlands area, which is a common ground for tribal fights, have noticed the general’s concerns about this issue and are urgeing both governments to enable the community to be safe first before get them armament.
This step creates a complicated position between Canberra and Port Moresby and is not only about diplomatic action. It illustrates the intricate arrays of supplying arms in the case where the potential for partnership to deal with security problems might not be operational on a similar level.
The situation has to be looked at on an urgent basis to check whether the delivery is on the right timeline and to put full effort first on the construction, and then on the certification of the storage for safety measures through which rifless shall be shipped.
Source: ABC AU
