Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang has announced his decision to seek legal interpretation in the Supreme Court for the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the Ship Rider agreement signed between PNG and the United States.The PNG-US defence agreement was signed by the Minister for Defence Win Bakri Daki and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 22.
Mr Lelang said while Parliament was allowed to debate on these agreements, the Government introduced the agreements without any opportunity for informed debate. He said, instead, it was acting like a salesman trying to sell the agreements.
“Unfortunately, their sugar-coated arguments had contradicted the actual texts of the agreement. It shows that they do not know what they are entering into with the US, that much was obvious,” Lelang said.“
I have raised the issues of immunity several times on the Floor of Parliament but was interrupted and accused of misleading the people. “It is therefore right and important that I take the issue to the courts.“
The signings were unpopular; people don’t want the government to enter into this deal with the US.”Lelang said the Opposition is here to make sure that the nation’s sovereignty and interests of our people are protected. He said while he appreciates that government has the prerogative to enter into such bilateral agreements they should not impinge on the “sovereignty and constitutional rights of our people or to expose us and our future generations to risks of war”.
Lelang said he will be guided by his lawyers but his intention is to file a reference in the Supreme Court for legal interpretation of the content of the two agreements and the manner in which the government has introduced and dealt with the agreements in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister James Marape defended the government against claims it could encroach on the country’s sovereignty after a leaked draft document suggesting it gives US personnel and contractors legal immunity; allows aircrafts, vehicles and vessels operated by or on behalf of the US to move freely within its territory and territorial waters; and exempts US staff from all migration requirements.
