United Nations Head of Mission on Bougainville Ambassador Noel Sinclair will officially leave the country at the end of this month. This is because the United Nation headquarters has scaled down its operations in Bougainville after its six-month extension.

UN gun expert Clyde Parris was the first to leave early this year and now it is time for Mr Sinclair. Legal expert Tor Stenbock is likely to take over from Mr Sinclair as the head of mission after Mr Sinclair leaves. However, the National Government is already lobbying for support, to stop Mr Sinclair from leaving on February 26 because they strongly believe he is the right person to continue with the UN work program in Bougainville.

The Government has claimed there has been no word conveyed to it regarding Mr Sinclair's departure. Bougainville People's Congress president Joseph Kabui has also claimed that Bougainville leaders have not been informed about the change. Inter-Government Relations Minister and Minister responsible for Bougainville affairs Sir Peter Barter said Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu has already written to all foreign embassies in Port Moresby to seek their support to keep Mr Sinclair in PNG until the UN's term expires.

Sir Peter also said Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has been briefed on the issue and is aware of the Government's move to retain Mr Sinclair. "The PM has been informed and letters have been written to all embassies to brief them and seek their support," said Sir Peter. He said the UN has also been approached to reconsider its decision to recall Mr Sinclair. Sir Peter said the UN office was important adding that there would be difficulty working on the island without Mr Sinclair. (Postcourier, 9 Feb 04)