07-12-2012, 11:11 PM
Somare's regime was supportive of Gulf LNG with Mitsui/EWC/Flex proposal. We have photos of Somare and Duma signing the EWC pfca in Feb. 2011 and toasting the project with bubbly.
Exit Somare/Duma, enter Abal/Potape, July?2011. Enter confrontational DPE Minister Potape. Exit Abal/Potape and enter O'Neill/Duma Aug 2011. Enter confrontational DPE Minister Duma.
Sept. 2011 - Project Zebra revealed. DPE Minister has been confrontational ever since. O'Neill has been Gulf LNG supportive as PM if IOC meets 2009 Agreement terms. Fair enough.
With an O'Neill PM, legit this time, and his hand picked DPE Minister, chances are DPE will be Gulf LNG supportive. Can we assume however, the new DPE and NEC will be incorruptible? There is a record amount of campaign/bribe money thrown around in PNG this election, much likely from large business interests in PNG. Smooth sailing with O'Neill is not guaranteed, likely, but no slam dunk.
SWFs and Western pressure to keep PNG in line, above board and more self-reliant by proper wealth management should crush any undefendable shenanigans.
Exit Somare/Duma, enter Abal/Potape, July?2011. Enter confrontational DPE Minister Potape. Exit Abal/Potape and enter O'Neill/Duma Aug 2011. Enter confrontational DPE Minister Duma.
Sept. 2011 - Project Zebra revealed. DPE Minister has been confrontational ever since. O'Neill has been Gulf LNG supportive as PM if IOC meets 2009 Agreement terms. Fair enough.
With an O'Neill PM, legit this time, and his hand picked DPE Minister, chances are DPE will be Gulf LNG supportive. Can we assume however, the new DPE and NEC will be incorruptible? There is a record amount of campaign/bribe money thrown around in PNG this election, much likely from large business interests in PNG. Smooth sailing with O'Neill is not guaranteed, likely, but no slam dunk.
SWFs and Western pressure to keep PNG in line, above board and more self-reliant by proper wealth management should crush any undefendable shenanigans.