11 Jan 2012

PNG recalls ambassador to Indonesia amid Falcon jet dispute

6:30 pm on 11 January 2012

Papua New Guinea's ambassador to Indonesia Peter Ilau is being recalled for consultations to discuss last November's air space incident in Indonesia.

The PNG deputy prime minister's Falcon jet was intercepted by Indonesian jets allegedy for lacking clearance.

The issue flared, with a PNG threat to expel Indonesia's ambassador but the prime minister Peter O'Neill calmed the situation.

Mr Ilau is to brief Port Moresby on the issue.

Mr O'Neill says his administration is using diplomatic channels to get further explanations and clarifications on technical matters relating to the incident.