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PNG Preparing 'Radical Action Plan' To Curb Illegal Guns

By Tereni Kens in Port Moresby
Monday: July 14, 2008

Papua New Guinea Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi will announce an executable plan to deal with illegal guns when he returns from a four-day international forum on gun control in New York.

Rambi told Pacific Magazine said his delegation is comprised of PNG Police Commissioner Gari Baki and other government officials. They left Port Moresby yesterday morning to attend the Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms and Light Weapons in New York City, which starts today and finishes on Friday.

The minister and his delegation are expected to present the position of the PNG government in dealing with illegal guns in the country and also to explore practical ideas and options in controlling illegal guns at the international forum.

“I will present a radical action plan to implement the recommendations of the Guns Control Committee after returning from this international forum,” Rambi said.

The minister, who earlier raised the possibility of buying back guns, said attending the Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms and Light Weapons forum is timely to explore what other countries are doing to deal with illegal firearms.

In 2005 Papua New Guinea established the Guns Control Committee headed by retired Major General Jerry Singirok. The committee carried out a nation-wide consultation and awareness program on the prevalence of illegal firearms in the country. A symposium was held and recommendations were sought by all stakeholders, which were then presented to the government for deliberation.

“I’m looking more closely to implement the gun buy back strategy, which is one of the recommendations made by the guns control committee but will also look at other options during this forum. I will then announce an action plan after exploring other practical ideas and options and this international forum in New York will provide a wider view to our approach,” the minister said.

Rambi thanked the Australian government and it’s High Commission in PNG for involving PNG in this important international forum.

“I thank the Australian government and its High Commissioner to PNG for involving us and financially assisting us to attend this important international forum which is of great importance to the country,” he said.