O'Neill did make these great comments about the project:
"The government has embraced this joint venture between these two companies, given their requisite LNG experience, financial strength and market for the product to help implement PNG’s third LNG project,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. He welcomed the proposal for the gas to be engaged in the domestic market.
“This is good news as it will provide for our energy needs in the country,” the Prime Minister said.
But the project was not the IOC/Total JV. It was the Horizon and Osaka Gas joint venture to, "explore and develop the substantive acreage and reserves in the Western Province including the Stanley Project." These statements were made by O'Neill on February 18, 2014. From December 5th to now O'Neill has not made any statements close to this regarding IOC and Total. The Horizon and Osaka deal also has contingensies before it's final.