Expectations: Senator Ellison says proper process has been followed in the extradition bid. [File photo]
Last Update: Friday, October 6, 2006. 5:01am (AEST)

Ellison expects PNG to act on Moti

Justice Minister Chris Ellison says Australian authorities will pursue the Solomon Islands Attorney-General if he flees from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the Solomons.

Australian officials want Julian Moti extradited to face child sex charges.

However, PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday said Australia had not followed the proper processes.

Sir Michael said Mr Moti should be allowed to travel from Port Moresby to Honiara.

A formal extradition request was lodged with authorities in PNG yesterday.

Senator Ellison has told ABC TV's Lateline says he expects PNG to act on the request.

"We would expect due process to be followed and that is as laid down by the law in Papua New Guinea and the law as provided for in Australia," he said.

"Now we believe we've followed that process and we're at a loss to understand where the Prime Minister in New Guinea is saying, that there's no process or that process has not been followed."

Senator Ellison says that Australia has successfully extradited someone from the Solomons in the past.

"In relation to the Solomon Islands, we've made it very clear that we do not think the Solomon Islands Government should offer this man sanctuary and if he goes elsewhere, if he manages to leave Papua New Guinea, we will pursue him," he said.

It is understood the Solomons is moving to issue a new passport for Mr Moti, who has spent much of the past week inside the Solomons High Commission in PNG.

The Solomon's Public Service Commission has suspended Mr Moti's position as Attorney-General until further notice, but Mr Sogavare insists he has the final say.