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Papua New Guinea PM pledges fealty to Australian government, mining investors

By Patrick O’Connor, December 6, 2012

As well as emphasising the centrality of PNG’s relations with Canberra and Washington, O’Neill used his Australian trip to curry favour with the mining giants.

Papua New Guinea: Rival ex-prime ministers unite in bid to form new government

By Patrick O’Connor, July 30, 2012

Michael Somare and Peter O’Neil spent the previous 12 months locked in a bitter power struggle that split the military, police force and state apparatus.

Voting period extended in Papua New Guinea election

By Mike Head, July 10, 2012

The disruptions have cast doubt on the hopes of the de facto prime minister, and his backers in Canberra and Washington, that the elections would end months of political instability.

Further political turmoil in Papua New Guinea

By Patrick O’Connor, June 2, 2012

The illegal Australian-backed government has engaged in further desperate manoeuvres and authoritarian measures to remain in office.

Papua New Guinean government arrests chief justice

By Patrick O’Connor, May 25, 2012

The attempted prosecution of the chief justice on sedition charges is in retaliation for the Supreme Court’s recent confirmation that the O’Neill government remains in power illegally.

Papua New Guinea government attempts to postpone election

By Patrick O’Connor, April 11, 2012

Thousands of people protested yesterday in the capital Port Moresby against the government’s bid to delay national elections scheduled for June.

Papua New Guinea government moves against judiciary

By Patrick O’Connor, March 27, 2012

The O’Neill government is attempting to consolidate power by suppressing its opponents within the judiciary.

Over 100 feared dead in Papua New Guinea ferry disaster

By Oliver Campbell, February 4, 2012

Lax safety standards and overcrowding appear to have contributed to the loss of life.

Papua New Guinea: Dozens dead and missing in landslide

By Oliver Campbell, January 28, 2012

Local residents said blasting related to Exxon-Mobil’s nearby liquefied natural gas project may have contributed to the disaster.

Military mutiny in Papua New Guinea

By Patrick O’Connor, January 27, 2012

The unresolved constitutional crisis reflects the intensifying rivalry between the US and China that is fuelling instability throughout the Asia-Pacific.

PNG constitutional crisis: O’Neill consolidates as PM

By Zac Hambides, December 21, 2011

O’Neill now has the support of the state apparatus, including the military and police, and the governor general, in addition to his parliamentary majority.

PNG crisis eases as Australia hints at military intervention

By Zac Hambides, December 17, 2011

Canberra’s preoccupation with the events in PNG is driven by deep concerns about growing Chinese involvement in what it has regarded as “its backyard.”