Fed: Ellison says PNG police operation watershed in relations

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2003
Fed: Ellison says PNG police operation watershed in relations

Justice Minister CHRIS ELLISON says Australia's forthcoming deployment of 230 police
to Papua New Guinea is a watershed in relations with the Pacific nation.

Senator ELLISON says the operation is much bigger than anything done before for PNG
-- larger than the police assistance program run by AUSAID in PNG over the past few years.

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER yesterday announced 230 Australian police will be
stationed in PNG to assist in restoring law and order under an aid package worth $800
million over the next five years.

Senator ELLISON has told ABC radio the Australian police will be involved in training,
mentoring and capacity building of the PNG police.

He says part of the funding will go towards providing essential police equipment.

AAP RTV mb/dl/jas

KEYWORD: PNG ELLISON (CANBERRA)

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