PNG PM Peter O'Neill warns Coalition to stop misrepresenting foreign aid deal

Extract from ABC News website:

PM By PNG correspondent Liam Cochrane, staff

Updated 5 hours 26 minutes ago

Papua New Guinea's prime minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the Coalition, accusing it of "misrepresenting" Australia's foreign aid deal with his country.

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop says Peter O'Neill has told the Coalition he is now in control of the aid money coming from his country to Australia.
It is likely aid funding to PNG will increase after it agreed to process and resettle refugees who come by boat to Australia.
Mr O'Neill has accused the Opposition of misrepresenting a private briefing he gave them last week about the deal for political gain.
"I don't particularly appreciate being misrepresented by others for their own political interests," he told the ABC.
"I am disappointed with some of the debates put forward by some of the leaders in the Opposition in Australia, in particular statements I am alleged to have made to them.

"They are completely untrue."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has suggested the foreign aid money would not be spent responsibly and with accountability.
Mr O'Neill is calling on the Opposition to show more respect in its dealings with his government.
"We are not going to put up with this kind of nonsense," he said.
"We are helping resolving an Australian issue. Try and be respectful when we start talking about these issues."
Mr O'Neill says many of the projects involving Australian aid will also be partially funded by the PNG government.
"So I don't see why we should be dragged into a debate that is now taking a new twist to represent individual interest and political interest in Australia," he said.
He says no details have been released publicly on the amount of money the Australian Government has committed to in its new deal.
"There is no indication that we were boasting about the amounts of money that was paid," he said.

"I think those details were politely not discussed and I think it's unfair on them (Australian politicians) to try and drag us into the debate.
"We understand the elections are coming around the corner, but please let us debate on facts."
The PNG government has also made its displeasure known through its High Commission in Canberra.
PNG's High Commissioner to Australia, Charles Lepani, has released a statement warning "Australian politicians to observe international protocols and courtesies when discussing relations with other friendly sovereign nations".

He says Australian politicians should not "impugn the dignity of our leaders" who are assisting Australia with the complex issue of asylum seekers.