Reports around the presence of a US private security outfit in Papua New Guinea have been condemned by the country's National Security Advisory Committee.
This comes after the national broadcaster reported that personnel of the Laurence Aviation & Security Group were to be deported because their presence in PNG had not been approved by the committee.
Personnel from US security firm Laurence Aviation & Security Group flank a Papua New Guinea policeman. Photo: Supplied
But its chair Isaac Lupari said in a statement that the committee was well aware of the group's presence and that the arrangement was for it to carry out assessments and deliver demonstrations.
Mr Lupari said the group had completed its task and would now be leaving of its own accord.
He said a report from the police commissioner Gary Baki on Laurence Aviation & Security's time in the country showed that the PNG constabulary needed more training to fill a significant gap in its tactical response capabilities.
PNG Police Commissioner, Gary Baki. Photo: EMTV
Isaac Lupari said the committee was satisfied with the report and would be forwarding its recommendations to the National Executive Council.
Mr Lupari also condemned those spreading rumours that the men were mercenaries operating alongside police in PNG.
He said security was a serious issue, and not one for frivolous and baseless comments.
