10 Sep 2010

PNG University to broker peace talks between members following clash

9:07 am on 10 September 2010

The University of Technology in the Papua New Guinea city of Lae is trying to broker peace talks between members of two rival ethnic groups today.

Violent clashes between students from Sepik and Highlands resulted in one being stabbed to death and two others being admitted to intensive care in hospital a week ago.

A university spokesman, Abby Yadi, says classes have been on hold since the brawl but staff are hoping to resume on Monday.

"We're trying to bring the two conflicting groups together now and bring them to a negotiation table. Currently the Sepiks are on campus and the Highlands students are away in their province. We're expecting to bring the two groups back to campus and try and talk peace with the both of them."

Abby Yadi says the university administration has set up a peace and reconciliation committee involving the police and other groups to work on a long term solution to the ethnic tension.