PNG calls for media accuracy

PAPUA NEW GUINEA –– A Foreign affairs spokesman has warned foreign media that irresponsible reporting about issues in Papua New Guinea may force the government to review their visas and face consequences.

Foreign affairs secretary Bill Dihm, who is a member of the National Security Council, made the warning after misleading reports were pub-lished globally relating to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student unrest this week.

First news of the shooting incident last week saw many world newspapers and media sources run headlines claiming four students had been killed.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, at a news conference, also appealed to the media in Papua New Guinea and abroad to be vigilant and cautious in their reporting about sensitive issues and matters of interest in the country.

“I also want to say something about irresponsible reporting – today I got the letter from news director for ABC, of course apologising for the er-ror on the reports about four student deaths that went global,” O’Neill said.

“This kind of reporting is getting global attention of Papua New Guinea that is undeserving.

“Our National Security Council has met, we will allow our officials to do their jobs,” he said.” We are sick and tired of political interference in many of the issues that are being brought before us.

“And I think it is important for the public to know the facts, factual statements going out there, and I of course understand the temptation to run to social media and take what is being reported in social media as gospel.

“But your job is to investigate this before you print it, do your job as you expect us to do our job. Papua New Guinea does not deserve this kind of publicity,” O’Neill said. - Post-Courier