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Australia warns travelers to beware in PNG
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Posted on Oct 22 2006
[B]PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea [/B](The National, PIR)—Australia yesterday issued a high alert to its citizens to be very cautious about traveling to Papua New Guinea.
The warning was also posted worldwide via its government website.
The standard travel advisory has been revised and reissued with new warnings relating to civil unrest and political tension in the upcoming elections, threats on the popular Kokoda Trail, travel on Bougainville and crime.
The advisory, posted on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, advises travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution because of the high levels of serious crime”.
It stated that crime rates are high in the capital Port Moresby and in other areas of Papua New Guinea, especially in Lae, Mt Hagen and other Highland provinces.
It warns Australians to be cautious and to always get a guide as villagers along the way might stop those walking the Kokoda Track.
“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when walking the Kokoda Track and travelling through the areas adjacent to each end of the track,” the advisory said.
The advisory stated in part: “Crime is random and opportunistic and is especially prevalent in urban areas such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. Settlement areas of towns and cities are particularly dangerous. “Violence and use of bush knives (machetes) and firearms often accompany assault and theft attempts. Carjacking, assaults (including sexual assaults), bag snatching and robberies are common. Walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres. All travel at night should be made by car. There is a risk of robbery and carjackings along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport, particularly between the Two and Nine Mile settlement areas.”
The advice further stated that tension between communal or clan groups, particularly in the Highlands region, occasionally leads to outbreaks of tribal fighting, often involving the use of firearms.
Outbreaks of violence have occurred in settlements and marketplaces in Port Moresby, Lae and major towns in the Highlands.
It stated further that with the general elections next June, months leading up to the elections are likely to be politically volatile and this could impact on the security situation.
