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)