Toropo: Border situation under control

Caption:  General Gilbert Toropo

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

PNG Defence Force commander General Gilbert Toropo revealed that the situation at the PNG side of the border is under control.

It was in relation to the gun battle that occurred at the border between the Indonesian Military and members of the OPM movement of West Papua who had fled into the PNG side.

The defense chief made the comments during the signing of an agreement between the PNGDF and the US military at the army’s head quarters at Murray Barrack.

He added that the issue was one between both countries affected and discussions were underway between both governments to determine ways to address it.

“The issue at the border is an issue between two countries,” he said.

“What is happening is in reference to an issue that occurred at the border with some elements of the OPM fighters.”

Gen Toropo informed the media that troops were being deployed to the border areas to ensure the safety of citizens. 

“Because it happened along the border- PNG citizens have been affected, so we have increased our troop presence along the border so that it does not spread in our territory and affect our citizens.”

“In fact it is a matter for Indonesia, but because it is in close proximity with us, the issue is under control as far as the PNG side of the border is concerned.”

“Discussions have been held at a higher level to further investigate on how we can move forward now and in the future if such incidents occur.”