SIG CONTINGENT TO PNG’s MSG ARTS FESTIVAL SAFE

Solomon Islands participants admiring PNG Bilums on Monday. Photo credit: George Herming.

Solomon Islands participants admiring PNG Bilums on Monday. Photo credit: George Herming.

The current political impasse in Papua New Guinea has no effect on the Solomon Islands contingent to the 5th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival in the country.

George Herming, the delegation’s media officer accompanying the 168 member group reports from East New Britain this afternoon, the local contingent is well looked after and their security assured.

He adds, members of the local contingent are staging impressive performances in various satellite festival venues.

Mr Herming says the heated debate to oust PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill by supporters of the opposition has been watered down.

“When we arrived on Thursday last week it was a bit heated especially in terms of politics and people were doing protests in Port Moresby and especially supporters of both rival groups, the government and the opposition, but they have decided not to push this agenda further during this festival and Papua New Guinea leader are also urging the public to respect their visitors and not to cause problems as riots or protests against whichever party they are supporting.”

Mr Herming adds, the PNG Prime Minister has personally assured the Solomon Islands delegation- their safety is guaranteed.

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