Consulates called for

Consulates called for

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Merauke Regent Soekardjo said it was
time Australia and Papua New Guinea opened consulates in Merauke
to facilitate the start of flights connecting Merauke, Daru and
Cairns.

Antara quoted the regent as saying that an Australian airline,
Milna, had recently disclosed its plan to open a route connecting
the three cities. No firm date has been set for the plan.

Papua New Guinea opened a consulate in Jayapura to assist
people traveling to the country which borders three Irianese
regencies: Jayapura, Jayawijaya and Merauke.

Travelers to Australia, on the other hand, still have to
process their visas in Jakarta or Denpasar.

Provincial transportation office chief HF Nelwan said his
office was ready to support Milna's plan and had ordered the head
of Merauke's airport to prepare facilities to help the opening of
the flight route. (swe)